About this sheet
Antique Coptic Costume and Textile Plate, Hand-Colored Print c.1880
This fascinating antique plate presents an in-depth visual survey of early Coptic garments, textiles, footwear, and decorative motifs, rendered with scholarly precision and soft hand-coloring. Created in the late 19th century for a respected ethnographic and historical costume compendium, the print offers an unusually comprehensive look at Coptic material culture—an area of growing interest among collectors of early Christian art, Egyptian history, and antique textiles.
Unlike standard costume plates, this sheet focuses not only on clothing but also on individual artifacts. The upper section includes detailed depictions of sandals with woven or stitched ornament, a robed female figure holding ritual objects, a carved stone relief of an angel, and an assortment of decorative textile fragments. The inclusion of embroidered medallions and woven geometric patterns highlights the exceptional craftsmanship associated with Coptic ateliers of Late Antiquity.
The center of the composition presents full tunics typical of early Coptic dress. Their rectangular shapes, broad sleeves, and characteristic banded ornamentation are shown with measurements, faithfully capturing proportions and construction. Between these garments appear a series of elaborately patterned textile strips and medallions, many resembling fragments discovered in burial sites and monastic settlements of early Christian Egypt.
The lower register features additional figures, including clerics raising crosses in a gesture of blessing, and other individuals clad in simplified tunics. Their linear, stylized forms reflect the aesthetic of early Christian wall paintings and manuscript illumination. Together, these details provide a rare and informative overview of Coptic dress and iconography from roughly the 3rd–7th centuries, interpreted through archaeological finds and historic illustrations.
This plate appeals to collectors interested in ancient textiles, Christian antiquities, Middle Eastern history, and museum-quality costume imagery. Its mix of garments, motifs, and artifacts makes it a standout decorative and educational piece.
Condition report: Good antique condition with gentle, even age toning. Slight corner wear and a few faint specks in the margin, typical for prints of this age. Image area clean and colors well preserved.
Framing tips: A warm ivory mat pairs beautifully with the beige, terracotta, and black tones of the artifacts. A simple oak or light walnut frame complements the archaeological theme, while a thin gilt frame adds an elegant museum-quality finish. Consider floating the print to showcase the full sheet and lower imprint.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph
Maker: Max Tilke, printed by Ernst Wasmuth A.-G., Berlin, c.1880
