Bidspirit auction | AN OTTOMAN TALISMANIC SHIRT (TILSIMLI

AN OTTOMAN TALISMANIC SHIRT (TILSIMLI GÖMLEK), 19TH/20TH CENTURY - This garment is an Ottoman talismanic shirt, known as a tilsimli gomlek, dating to the 19th or 20th century. It is constructed from hand-woven cream cotton and is extensively decorated with inscriptions in black, red, and blue inks, further enhanced with gold-pigment highlights. The surface is divided into a complex grid containing calligraphic panels, geometric diagrams, and representational motifs. The inscriptions are executed in various Arabic scripts, including naskh and ghubari (miniature script). A prominent grid on the sleeve contains the Asma al-Husna (the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah), including al-Malik (The King), al-Quddus (The Most Holy), as-Salam (The Peace), and al-Mu’min (The Giver of Faith). The garment features numerous magic squares, or wafq, containing numerical and alphabetical combinations intended for spiritual protection. Iconographic elements include the Zulfiqar (the bifurcated sword), stylised floral palmettes, and architectural silhouettes resembling mosques or shrines. The borders are finished with repeating calligraphic symbols and gold-pigment teardrop motifs. These shirts were traditionally worn as protective amulets under clothing or armour to safeguard the wearer from harm, illness, or misfortune. The use of magic squares and divine names is intended to invoke protection and channel spiritual energy to the wearer. H: Approximately 69.5cm L: Approximately 87.5cm