Fragment samiet met aangevuld patroon van gestileerde boom met bladeren, bloemen, vruchten en vogels, met Arabische (?) tekst 1200 - 1900

This fragment of patterned silk depicts a stylized tree adorned with leaves, blossoms, fruits, and birds, accompanied by what appears to be Arabic script. The tree motif, laden with life, resonates deeply across cultures and epochs. Consider its manifestation in the "Tree of Life" tapestries, where it symbolizes fertility and abundance. Here, though, our tree seems less a symbol of vigorous growth and more a carefully designed pattern, bearing witness to the human desire to impose order on the natural world. Observe how the decorative birds, perched amongst the foliage, echo the avian motifs found in ancient Persian art, where they represent the soul's journey towards enlightenment. Yet, these birds are stylized, almost geometric, stripped of their wildness. This transformation reflects a shift in perspective—from nature as a source of untamed power to nature as a source of aesthetic inspiration, carefully curated and contained. Thus, in this fragment, we witness the cyclical return of ancient symbols, subtly transmuted by the currents of time and taste.