Fragment of a Pattern from a Multicoloured Tapestry: Profile of a Quail Surrounded by Foliage

Quail
Coptic Egypt 
4th=5th centuries
Linen and wool tapestry
H. 0.15 ; W. 0.132
Cl. 13191

The motif of a single quail with a leafy background was well-known among Coptic weavers as it led the way for an important decorative series in clothing. These can be found in museums in Trier, Florence, Berlin, St. Petersburg, Haïfa, Moscow...

the one found in the National Museum of the Middle Ages distinguishes itself from other textiles in the hyper-realism of its design and the subtle use of a rich palette.