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Bird in a Medallion

Arts of the Islamic World

The graceful bird in this textile medallion is reminiscent of Late Antique and Coptic motifs, yet the textile’s color scheme suggests early Islamic manufacture in Egypt under the Tulunids (circa 868–905).
MEDIUM Linen, tapestry-woven
  • Place Made: Africa
  • DATES late 9th-early 10th century
    DYNASTY Tulunid
    PERIOD Tulunid Dynasty
    DIMENSIONS 4 7/16 x 3 3/4 in. (11.3 x 9.5 cm) Frame: 1 5/8 x 10 11/16 x 8 3/16 in. (4.1 x 27.1 x 20.8 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 84.270
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Dr. Virgil H. Bird
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Long-necked bird woven in ochre linen against dark blue ground. White and ochre wing and flying scarf. White foot and floral stem extending from beak.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Bird in a Medallion, late 9th-early 10th century. Linen, tapestry-woven, 4 7/16 x 3 3/4 in. (11.3 x 9.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. Virgil H. Bird, 84.270. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 84.270_PS1.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 84.270_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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