Fragmentary Cenotaph Cover with Calligraphic Inscriptions

17th–18th century

Not on view

Comprising verses of the Qur'an, invocations to God, and the Muslim profession of faith known as the shahada ("There is no God but God, and Muhammad is his Messenger"), multiple registers of vigorous calligraphic script combine to create a zigzag pattern across the surface of this striking textile. This chevron pattern recalls kiswa fabrics woven with similar designs, sent annually by the Ottoman sultan to adorn the Ka'ba in Mecca. Smaller‑scale textiles like this one, however, were used to cover the coffin‑shaped stone cenotaphs found in important Ottoman tombs.

Artwork Details

Title: Fragmentary Cenotaph Cover with Calligraphic Inscriptions
Date: 17th–18th century
Geography: Attributed to Turkey
Medium: Silk; lampas
Dimensions: Textile: L. 75 in. (190.5 cm)
W. 27 in. (68.6 cm)
Mount: H. 78 3/8 in. (199.1 cm)
W. 30 5/8 in. (77.8 cm)
D. 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm)
Classification: Textiles
Credit Line: Gift of Indjoudjian Frères, 1908
Object Number: 08.178.2
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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