Fragment with confronted animal medallions and kufic bands, 1480-1649 (radiocarbon date, 95% probability). Iran. Silk: diasper, tabby weave; overall: 39.6 x 45.4 cm (15 9/16 x 17 7/8 in.). The fragment preserves a wide central band flanked by narrower inscription bands. The narrower bands contain, on a dark blue background, a continuous inscription in elaborate Kufic, the ivory-colored lettering oriented at right angles to the warp. On the wider ivory panel there appear ovals enclosing a frieze of running animals within which are hexagons enclosing stars. The ovals alternate vertically with cartouches containing an inscription in simple Kufic, the design appearing in blue, pink, and ivory.