Funerary miter of Henry VI
Type:
Vestments
Date:
1190–97
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Italy
Medium:
Silk
Dimensions:
43 × 7.5 cm
Description:
The Normans in Sicily continued the earlier embroidery traditions for which the island was known. Henry VI (d. 1197), Holy Roman Emperor from 1191 and king of Sicily from 1194, was buried with a funerary miter or cap, of which these are textile fragments. They combine Byzantine motifs and Islamic weaving techniques. The ornamental roundels have figures of lions and eagles.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
8
Repository and Online Resources:
• Watch the British Museum's video on conserving these textile fragments.
Image Credits:
© Trustees of the British Museum
