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1999 Precious Silks Medieval Textiles from Europe to China |
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Silk with elephant Elephants are encountered as a symbol of royal power in Persian/Sasanian, Byzantine and early Islamic art. Byzantium, 9th – 10th century, Inv. No. 2641 |
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Medallion fabric with ducks – detail of a duck The Sasanian courtly culture and its magnificent silk fabrics greatly influenced the various kingdoms between Persia and China in the early Middle Ages. West China, 8th–early 9th century. Inv. No. 4864 |
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Fabric from the tomb with relics of Saint Amandus in Salzburg Among the Seljuks of Turkish origin, powerful stylized animal representations were created in Western Asia. Asia Minor, 11th– 12th century Inv. No. 1141 |
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Silk fragments with cattle and blossoms As the Mongol kingdom spread Chinese motifs, such as the running calf, moved westwards. Central Asia or Persia, second half of the 13th century Inv. No. 523 |
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Part of a reddish "diaper” fabric Borders became blurred. Whether this fabric, whose ornaments can clearly be traced back to Mesopotamian/Syrian motifs, was woven in the Near East or in Italy is hard to determine. Syria or Italy (?), 13th – 14th century Inv. No. 203 |
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Fragment with parallel vine tendrils, peacocks and hoopoes Although the Eastern influence was still dominant in Italian production, local patterns such as the realistic reproduction of a vine tendril were already being introduced. Italy, Venice or Lucca, second half of the 13th century Inv. No. 207 |
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Silk with trees and Chinese dragons Inspired by Chinese motifs, the Italian designers made astonishingly versatile creations into which they worked themes from fables, courtly epics and tales of exotic travel. Lucca (?), second half of the 14th century Inv. No. 456 |
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