A FRAGMENT OF A RAWADAH AL-MUTAHARAH CLOTH, TURKEY, 17TH CENTURY

A fragment of silk hanging panel in the Rawdah Al-Mutahara, this fabric was woven in the tribute-color kemha technique. With an inscribed weave in cream-colored and red silk over a light green ground. Embellished with an undulating band which assume the form of a continuous chain made up of number '7's, running from the beginning to the end of the cloth, enclosing 'prayers for the four righteous caliphs Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman and ‘Ali as well as for the companions of the Prophet.' Below stylized with 'Allah and Muhammed' outlined in red. 15 by 39 cm.

CATALOGUE NOTE The Rawdah (‘Garden’) is an area between the minbar and burial chamber of Muhammad. A green carpet distinguishes the area from the rest of the mosque, which is covered in a red carpet.