Fragmentary Cenotaph Cover with Calligraphic Inscriptions

Unknown

17th–18th century · Silk; lampas · Islamic Art

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

17th–18th century

Medium

Silk; lampas

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Indjoudjian Frères, 1908