A Talismanic Shirt (jama), India, 18th Century

cotton shirt (jama) with linen lining on interior, covered with extracts from the Qur'an, prayers and talismanic letters, divided into sections, including borders with red calligraphy, black calligraphy and medallions containing inscriptions, the front with inscriptions written in reserve against a background of small black naskh script, intermittently decorated with palmette and floral designs

In overall fairly good condition,t he front faded with some tears and subsequent restoration, some light stains, the reverse also faded in areas and few stains, consistent with age, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

inscriptions
Quotations from chapters of the Qur’an, including chapters III (Al ‘Imran); LVI (al-waqi’a); XXIV (al-Nur); LXXI (Nuh); CIX (al-Kafirun); CXII (al-Ikhlas); CXIII (al-Falaq); CXIV (al-Nas); XCIV (al-Inshirah); XCIII (al-Duha); II (al-Baqara); XLVIII (al-Fath); LXI (al-Saff).
Prayers and invocations to God;
The nada ‘ali quatrain and phrases: ‘There is no youth [as brave as] ‘Ali, no sword [as sharp as] dhu’l-faqar.