Lot 23: An Ottoman Inscribed Talismanic Vest (Hirz) with Quranic...
An Ottoman Inscribed Talismanic Vest (Hirz) with Quranic Calligraphy and Magic Squares, 19th-20th Century.
A rare and intricately decorated Islamic talismanic vest of traditional sleeveless form, entirely covered in dense handwritten Arabic inscriptions and geometric compositions. The textile is arranged in carefully structured panels filled with Quranic verses, invocations, and protective formulae, executed in black, red, blue, and green inks.
The front is divided symmetrically into vertical sections flanking a central opening bordered with gold-toned trim. Each side features arched cartouches densely filled with miniature script, above geometric panels incorporating kufic-style designs and framed inscriptions. Surrounding borders contain continuous lines of calligraphy, forming a protective textual enclosure.
The reverse is equally elaborate, centred around a large circular medallion filled with tightly arranged script, enclosed within layered geometric frames. Below this, bands of bold kufic-style inscriptions appear alongside smaller repeating calligraphic units arranged in a grid-like formation, suggestive of talismanic or numerical configurations.
H: Approximately 64cm
L: Approximately 57cm
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