COLLECTION NAME:
The AMICA Library
Record
AMICA ID:
CMA_.1991.3
AMICA Library Year:
1998
Object Type:
Textiles
Creator Name:
Unknown
Creator Nationality:
Asian; Central Asian
Creator Name-CRT:
Central Asia, Mongol period, 13 century or earlier
Title:
Lions and Palmettes
Title Type:
Primary
View:
Full View
Creation Date:
c. 13th century
Creation Start Date:
1180
Creation End Date:
1319
Materials and Techniques:
tapestry, silk and gold thread
Classification Term:
Tapestries
Classification Term:
Tapestries
Dimensions:
Overall: 63.5cm x 34.7cm
AMICA Contributor:
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Owner Location:
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
ID Number:
1991.3
Credit Line:
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund
Context:
Lions with PalmettesTapestry (kesi); silk and gold threadCentral Asia, 1200s or earlier, Mongol Period (1207-1368)The Cleveland Museum of Art, Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1991.3(Cat. no. 19)The depiction of lions with parted manes and tilted headsdates from theSasanian dynasty of Iran (ad 226-637). The palmettes, on the other hand,are common to both the Iranian world and Central Asia. This kesi may havebeen woven by Uyghurs living in the vicinity of Khotan, where the influenceof Iranian culture was strong.The kesi is distinguished from other Central Asian silk tapestries by therepetition of lions and palmettes in horizontal rows. This pattern istypical of silks woven on drawlooms. Whereas a tapestry loom was extremelysimple, giving the weaver thefreedom to create whatever pattern he wished,the highly complex drawloom was specifically designed to repeat a givenmotif or group of motifs.Another kesi with this design preserves part of a cloud-collar medallion(see photograph). Since the looms were narrow, two panels had to be joinedtogether to complete the design (see diagram).
Related Image Identifier Link:
CMA_.1991.3.tif
