Hilya (Votive Tablet)

Unknown

second half of 18th century · Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper, mounted on wood · Islamic Art

Hilya, Arabic for "ornament," refers to a genre of Ottoman Turkish literature associated with the physical description of Muhammad. The concept originated from the shamayil, the study of Muhammad’s appearance and character. According to Ottoman belief, reading or possessing an account of Muhammad’s attributes protects one from danger, harm, evil, and sickness. It became customary to carry a hilya in the form of a scroll, calligraphic study, or an amulet. In the seventeenth century, hilyas developed into an art form with a standardized layout.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second half of 18th century

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper, mounted on wood

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

The Grinnell Collection, Bequest of William Milne Grinnell, 1920