Lot 339 AN OTTOMAN CALLIGRAPHIC SILK (HIZAM) PANEL, TURKEY OR EGYPT EARLY 20TH CENTURY
The Hizam, or belt, is an inscribed band that encircles the upper part of the Kaaba. Rectangular in form, it is composed of a black silk ground inscribed with monumental Qur'anic calligraphy, its surface articulated into cartouches of various shapes and sizes.
The central section is inscribed in gilt thuluth script on a black ground with verses 96–97 of Surah Al 'Imran, proclaiming the sanctity of the Sacred House in Mecca. The inscription extends across a sequence of interconnected cartouches, creating a dynamic and harmonious calligraphic composition.
Flanking the central inscription are two circular medallions enclosing further Qur'anic texts in thuluth script, including Surah Al-Ahzab (Quran 33:40) and Surah Al-Ikhlas (Quran 112), also known as Al-Tawhid, affirming the oneness of God. These medallions balance the elongated composition while reinforcing its devotional character.
The panel is further ornamented at the ends with the imperial invocation: "Glory to our Mawlana Sultan, the victorious King; long may he reign." This dedicatory formula reflects the patronage of the reigning Ottoman Sultan under whose authority the Kiswah was commissioned.
620 by 220 cm.