Dyed Wool Collection

Two Figures Framed by a Jeweled Border, 450-550. Creator: Unknown
Two Figures Framed by a Jeweled Border, 450-550. An opulent border of pseudo pearls and gemstones frames this haloed couple

Two Confronted Animals from a Tunic, 700s-800s. Creator: Unknown
Two Confronted Animals from a Tunic, 700s-800s. Two spotted animals flank a simplified tree with more roots than leaves, framed by an angular vine

Tunic or Shawl Ornament, 600s. Creator: Unknown
Tunic or Shawl Ornament, 600s. This oval originally belonged to a matched set that would have decorated either a unisex tunic or shawl

Nereid (Sea-Nymph) from a Hanging, late 300s - 400s. Creator: Unknown
Nereid (Sea-Nymph) from a Hanging, late 300s - 400s. This tapestry is renowned for the large sea-nymph, or nereid, woven with bright colours

Ornament with Symbolic Interlacing Knots, 400s - 600s. Creator: Unknown
Ornament with Symbolic Interlacing Knots, 400s - 600s. Six different designs of leaves and interlacings are organized harmoniously here within circles, triangles, and squares

Hunters on Horseback, late 700s - 800 s. Creator: Unknown
Hunters on Horseback, late 700s - 800 s. The Byzantine theme of the hunt is depicted with archers on horseback and the game beneath

Hanging with Christian Images, 500s. Creator: Unknown
Hanging with Christian Images, 500s. The significance of this rare hanging with Christian symbols outweighs its fragmentary condition

Busts and Animals Under Tree of Life, late 700s - 800s. Creator: Unknown
Busts and Animals Under Tree of Life, late 700s - 800s. This elegant symmetrical roundel, probably from a tunic, features a central tree of life with leaves enclosing the bust of a woman on each

Border of Heads and Palmettes from a Large Hanging, 500s. Creator: Unknown
Border of Heads and Palmettes from a Large Hanging, 500s. Frontal heads with caps alternating with palmette leaves on a rich blue ground was a popular border design for luxurious woolen hangings

Curtain Fragment with Panthers, 500s. Creator: Unknown
Curtain Fragment with Panthers, 500s. Luxurious tapestry-woven curtains decorated with colourful figures and flora were hung in religious, palatial, and theatrical settings

Alexander the Great on Horseback, 700s. Creator: Unknown
Alexander the Great on Horseback, 700s. Featuring imperial Byzantine themes, this rare roundel originally decorated a tunic

Alexander Great Horseback 700s Egypt Islamic Umayyad
Alexander the Great on Horseback, 700s. Egypt, Islamic Umayyad or Abbasid period, 8th century. Dyed wool, undyed linen; plain weave and slit-tapestry weave; overall

Hanging Christian Images 500s Egypt Byzantine period
Hanging with Christian Images, 500s. Egypt, Byzantine period, 6th century. Plain weave (tabby) with inwoven tapestry weave; dyed wool

Two Figures Framed Jeweled Border 450-550 Egypt
Two Figures Framed by a Jeweled Border, 450-550. Egypt, Byzantine period, 5th-6th century. Dyed wool, undyed linen; slit-tapestry weave with supplementary weft wrapping and plain

Fragment Satyr Maenad 300s Egypt Byzantine period
Fragment with Satyr and Maenad, 300s. Egypt, Byzantine period, 4th century. Undyed linen and dyed wool; plain weave ground with tapestry weave; overall: 139 x 86.4 cm (54 3/4 x 34 in.); mounted

Decorated Band Tunic Curtain 600s Egypt late Byzantine
Decorated Band from a Tunic or Curtain, 600s. Egypt, late Byzantine or early Islamic period, 7th Century. Tapestry weave with supplementary weft wrapping; undyed linen and dyed wool; overall

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

"Dyed Wool: A Kaleidoscope of Ancient Artistry" Step into the vibrant world of dyed wool, where ancient civilizations expressed their creativity and cultural identity through intricate textiles. These masterpieces, created by unknown artisans, offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of history. In "Two Figures Framed by a Jeweled Border, " dating back to 450-550, we witness two enigmatic figures captured within an ornate frame adorned with precious gems. The meticulous dyeing technique brings life to this mesmerizing artwork. Moving forward in time, "Two Confronted Animals from a Tunic" (700s-800s) showcases the skillful artistry of unknown creators who transformed wool into a canvas for mythical creatures locked in eternal struggle. Their vivid colors and dynamic patterns evoke both awe and curiosity. A remarkable example from the 600s is the "Tunic or Shawl Ornament. " This delicate piece features intricate designs that intertwine like symbolic interlacing knots. The dyed wool harmoniously blends shades and hues to create an enchanting visual symphony. The late 300s - 400s bring us closer to nature with the depiction of a captivating "Nereid (Sea-Nymph) from a Hanging. " Through expert dyeing techniques, this sea nymph emerges as if she were about to dive into the depths of an azure ocean. One cannot overlook the symbolism found in pieces such as the "Ornament with Symbolic Interlacing Knots" from between 400-600 AD. Its complex patterns tell stories hidden within each knot's embrace—a testament to human ingenuity entwined with spiritual beliefs. Traveling further through time, we encounter equestrian scenes like no other in "Hunters on Horseback" (late 700s - 800 s). Dyed wool breathes life into these hunters' garments as they gallop across vast landscapes, capturing the essence of a bygone era.