Cloth fragment (mounted)

Late Roman / Coptic, Egypt
4th / 6th century
Wool, linen; tapestry weave
25 x 28 cm / 10 x 11 in
$12,000

A fabulous and rare example of a ‘proto-roundel,’ known to have decorated the shoulders of Late Roman tunics. Note the complexity of the double border and eight-pointed star, a very auspicious mandala-like design that served as an apotropaic device.