A Dervish

late 16th–early 17th century

Not on view

This figure can be identified as a dervish, as he drapes himself in a blue khirqa, a cloak worn by Sufis that is characterized by extremely long sleeves. This garment had special meaning, and was awarded to an aspirant (murid), usually after several years of initiation. The investiture of the khirqa is significant in that it formally recognizes the aspirant as a member of the Sufi order and acknowledges that he is a link in the silsilah (chain) of divine knowledge, originating with the Prophet Muhammad.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: A Dervish
Date: late 16th–early 17th century
Geography: Attributed to Iran
Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Dimensions: H. 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm)
W. 5 3/8 in. .(13.6 cm)
Classification: Codices
Credit Line: Gift of Alexander Smith Cochran, 1913
Object Number: 13.228.35
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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