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Object Timeline

1902

  • We acquired this object.

2010

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2024

  • You found it!

Fragment (Spain)

This is a Fragment. It is dated 14th century and we acquired it in 1902. Its medium is silk, metallic yarns (gilded parchment wound around linen core) and its technique is two interconnected structures: 4&1 satin and weft-faced plain weave (lampas). It is a part of the Textiles department.

This Hispano-Moresque fragment, likely from Granada, was woven during the Nasrid dynasty (1232-1492) – the last Muslim kingdom in Spain. In the fourteenth century, colorful and delicate geometric designs were generously woven with gold thread to produce textiles with a jewel-like quality. In this example, the interlaced forms of the previous century have evolved into a complex pattern of slim gold rings linked by lobed medallions. Inside each ring is a symmetrical arrangement of lotus leaves enclosed by a palmette wreath. Pointed rosettes adorn the spaces between the rings.
The Nasrid dynasty attracted many talented weavers who were displaced during the Christian re-conquest in other parts of Spain. From their kingdom in the southern Iberian Peninsula, the Nasrids paid tribute to Castile by presenting gifts of fine textiles to the nobility and high-ranking members of the Catholic Church. These textiles were highly prized throughout Spain as the high quality of the weaving along with the use of silk and gold thread immediately identified the recipient as someone important.

This object was donated by John Pierpont Morgan. It is credited Gift of John Pierpont Morgan.

  • Tapestry Fragment (Spain)
  • silk, metallic (gilded parchment wound around silk core).
  • Gift of John Pierpont Morgan.
  • 1902-1-82
  • Textile (Spain)
  • silk, metallic (gilded parchment wound around linen core).
  • Gift of John Pierpont Morgan.
  • 1902-1-251

Our curators have highlighted 6 objects that are related to this one. Here are three of them, selected at random:

  • Square (Egypt)
  • warp: s-spun linen; wefts: s-spun linen, s-spun wool.
  • Gift of John Pierpont Morgan.
  • 1902-1-116
  • Fragment (Spain)
  • silk, gilded vellum on silk core.
  • Gift of John Pierpont Morgan.
  • 1902-1-978

Its dimensions are

H x W: 35.6 x 25.4 cm (14 x 10 in.)

Cite this object as

Fragment (Spain); silk, metallic yarns (gilded parchment wound around linen core); H x W: 35.6 x 25.4 cm (14 x 10 in.); Gift of John Pierpont Morgan; 1902-1-311

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Making Design.

This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18130663/ |title=Fragment (Spain) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=19 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>