- 27
An Ottoman silk talismanic shirt, Turkey, 19th century
Estimate
8,000 - 10,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- silk
woven with yellow and cream inscriptions in a zigzag pattern on a red silk ground, stitched as a large short-sleeved shirt
Condition
In overall good condition, mounted on corduroy base, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
inscriptions
In white: the words ‘God’ and ‘Muhammad’
In the wide band: the shahada
Bordering the wide band: Qur’an, chapter XXXIII (al-Ahzab), verse 56 (above); prayers for the four Orthodox caliphs and all Prophet’s companions (below)
During the Ottoman dynasty's rule over Medina (1517–1916), luxuriously woven silk textiles adorned with Qur'anic inscriptions such as the present example were sent to the sacred cities of Mecca and Medina to be used as covers and adornments that were replaced annually.
As these were considered to have been instilled with the holiness of the site, they were often redistributed to pilgrims and took on different shapes and functions. For example, a set of fragments from a similar textile, now in the Textile Museum, Washington D.C. (inv. no. TM 3.158a) were probably used as a vest; similarly the present shirt probably acquired a talismanic significance due to the past associations of the textile with which it was made.
In white: the words ‘God’ and ‘Muhammad’
In the wide band: the shahada
Bordering the wide band: Qur’an, chapter XXXIII (al-Ahzab), verse 56 (above); prayers for the four Orthodox caliphs and all Prophet’s companions (below)
During the Ottoman dynasty's rule over Medina (1517–1916), luxuriously woven silk textiles adorned with Qur'anic inscriptions such as the present example were sent to the sacred cities of Mecca and Medina to be used as covers and adornments that were replaced annually.
As these were considered to have been instilled with the holiness of the site, they were often redistributed to pilgrims and took on different shapes and functions. For example, a set of fragments from a similar textile, now in the Textile Museum, Washington D.C. (inv. no. TM 3.158a) were probably used as a vest; similarly the present shirt probably acquired a talismanic significance due to the past associations of the textile with which it was made.