An Islamic Ottoman talismanic shirt An Islamic Ottoman talismanic shirt

An Islamic Ottoman talismanic shirt

Reference: ART300752

A shirt (jama) covered with text written in Naskh scripts, in assorted colors, arranged in numerous panels, roundels, cartouches, cypress tree forms. The inscriptions include quotations from the Qur'an, invocations to God, attributes of God and prayers. They are written in Naskh of different sizes in different shapes, patterns, mirrored form and reserved against text and in colors of black, red, green, and gold. To the centre of the reverse a large star formed of the words " Allah" and " Mohammad" in Thuluth script, surround by lotus, flowers and foliage, further with two large calligraphy shaped swords.

Note: this talismanic shirt was believed to be imbued with protective powers and may have been meant to be worn under armor in battle.