Lot 224: An Ottoman Talismanic Shirt, 19th/20th Century

An Ottoman Talismanic Shirt, 19/20th Century. This long-sleeved garment is crafted from a light-colored cotton, and is intricately decorated across its entire surface. Elaborate Arabic calligraphy is executed in various scripts, including Thuluth and geometric Kufic styles, and illuminated with pigments in blue, red, green, and black, alongside extensive gold leaf. The front prominently features the Shahada ("لا إله إلا الله" / "There is no god but Allah" and "محمد رسول الله" / "Muhammad is the messenger of Allah") in blue panels on the shoulders. The main body displays complex geometric grids filled with minute script, larger stylized script in medallions, and large Kufic-style square compositions. The reverse side includes two large blue rectangular panels with gold script, notably "بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم" / "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful" and "نصر من الله وفتح قريب" / "Victory from Allah and an imminent conquest, " positioned above a large, teardrop-shaped central motif of dense black calligraphy on a floral ground. Geometric and patterned borders in varied colors and gold accents frame the design elements.

H: Approximately 69.5cm

L: Approximately 92cm