An Ottoman talismanic 'jama' shirt with Quran verses in Naskh and Tuluth script, 18/19th C.

Dim.: 108 x 99,5 cm

A shirt (jama) covered with text written in Naskh and Thuluth scripts, in assorted colors, arranged in numerous panels, roundels, cartouches, cypress tree forms. The inscriptions include quotations from the Quran, invocations and prayers to Allah. Written in Naskh and Thuluth, in various sizes and shapes and changing patterns, in black, red, blue and gold. To the centre of the chest area two roundels enclosing two paintings of Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi each flanked by roundels of 'Allah' and 'Muhammed' on a gilt ground.
To the backside a central star composed of verse 13 of the surah Al-Saff surrounded by four squares of Kalimaat Al-Tawhid in large Kufic script and six roundels of Allah prayers in Naskh script, further stylised with quotations of the Quran containing attributions to Allah for protection during battles, as well as Arabesque scrolls.