Medieval Textiles across Eurasia, c. 300-1400

This study explores the textiles made, traded, and exchanged across Eurasia from late antiquity to the late Middle Ages, focusing on their socio-political and cultural aspects. It presents a wide range of textiles used in domestic and religious settings, dress and furnishings, and for elite and ordinary owners. The introduction provides a historiographical background and discusses the conditions of textile survival.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive study delves into the intricate world of textiles, exploring their creation, trade, and exchange across Eurasia from late antiquity to the late Middle Ages. With a keen focus on the socio-political and cultural dimensions of this universal medium, the study presents a diverse array of textiles utilized in both domestic and religious contexts, as well as for elite and ordinary owners. The introduction provides a historical backdrop to the study of textiles, shedding light on the challenges of their preservation in archaeological contexts and museums.

Following this, a section delves into the materials and techniques employed in textile production, industry, and trade across Eurasia. It sheds light on the networks and processes that facilitated the exchange of fabrics, showcasing the interconnectedness of different regions and societies. Subsequent sections examine the diverse uses of textiles for dress and furnishing, highlighting their role in shaping social identities and aesthetics. Additionally, the study explores the arrival of imported fabrics in European contexts, examining their impact on local textile production and consumption.

The concluding section of the study connects textiles to their broader visual and material context, emphasizing their significance in art, architecture, and everyday life. It explores the aesthetic values and symbolism associated with fabrics, highlighting their role in expressing cultural values and beliefs.

In summary, this study offers a rich and detailed exploration of the textiles of Eurasia, shedding light on their social, economic, and cultural significance throughout history. It provides valuable insights into the materials, techniques, and uses of textiles, contributing to our understanding of medieval societies and their material culture.

Weight: 172g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009393362