Red Hilye

2010

Not on view

A hilye is a "textual" portrait of the Prophet Muhammad. It presents a description of his physical and moral attributes. Hilyes were regarded as talismanic objects that had the power to protect their owners from harm.This hilye is by the contemporary master of the the Ottoman school of calligraphy, Mohamed Zakariya. Its composition is based on the standardized anthropomorphic layout with with a "head station", a "belly" and a crescent. Hilyas are found in different media such as wood, cloth, or paper. They were kept in the home or folded, placed in cases, and worn close to the body; they continue to function as protective and intercessory devices today.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: Red Hilye
Artist: Mohamed Zakariya (American, born 1942, Ventura, CA)
Date: 2010
Geography: Made in USA
Medium: Ink, hot tempera, and gold alloy on ahar paper
Dimensions: H. 29 in. (73.7 cm)
W. 18 in. (45.7 cm)
Classification: Codices
Credit Line: Louis E. and Theresa S. Seley Purchase Fund for Islamic Art, 2020
Object Number: 2022.497
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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