Bidspirit auction | An Ottoman Cotton Talismanic Shirt

An Ottoman Cotton Talismanic Shirt (Jama). - This talismanic shirt, known as a Jama. The cream-coloured woven textile serves as a sophisticated canvas for an extensive decorative programme of protective and devotional elements. The garment is densely covered in Arabic calligraphy executed in black, red, and blue inks, further embellished with elegant gold leaf floral borders. Central to its design are numerous magic squares, which are numerological grids based on abjad calculations, and circular medallions containing sacred text. Prominent calligraphic panels feature the names of Allah and Muhammad, alongside essential Quranic verses such as the Ayat al-Kursi (The Throne Verse), which is traditionally invoked for divine protection. Such garments were worn as spiritual armour, intended to safeguard the wearer from misfortune, illness, or injury in battle. The complexity of the layout and the quality of the script indicate a high-status commission, reflecting the intersection of textile art, calligraphy, and the esoteric traditions of the Near East. Approximately 72 x 91cm