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Talismanic Shirt

15th–early 16th century
Not on view
This talismanic shirt was believed to be imbued with protective powers and may have been meant to be worn under armor in battle. Its surface is decorated with painted squares, medallions, and lappet-shaped sections with the entire Qur'an written inside; these areas are bordered by the ninety-nine names of God written in gold against an orange background. A panel at the center of the reverse contains a proclamation in gold script stating, "God is the Merciful, the Compassionate."

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Talismanic Shirt
  • Date: 15th–early 16th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Northern India or Deccan
  • Medium: Cotton, ink, gold; plain weave, painted
  • Dimensions: Textile: L. 25 in. (63.5 cm)
    W. 38 3/4 in. (98.4 cm)
    Mount: L. 25 in. (63.5 cm)
    W. 38 3/4 in. (98.4 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts, 1998
  • Object Number: 1998.199
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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