Shroud of Samson

Shourd of Samson

Byzantium, 
8th c.or early 9th c.
Figured Shroud, Silk
Acq. Bock, 1860
Cl. 3055

The drawing is balanced by two rows of opposing arcs which can also be medallion segments. Between these arc, on a bright red background, is a scene woven in white, blue, green and yellow, alternating right and left. A man overpowers a lion by holding its jaw and bending its spine against his knee. As a complement, a small flower rises beneath the front paws of the beast. The figure wears a short sleeveless tunic and sandals laced around his ankles. A mantle wraps diagonally round his chest and floats behind him. His blond curly hair falls to his shoulders. The medallion segments, on a white background, are decorated with lotus flower buds and large red squares and bordered by dark blue scrolls dotted with small white pearls.