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Tughra (Insignia) of Sultan Süleiman the Magnificent (r. 1520–66)

ca. 1555–60
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 460
A tughra is a stylized royal seal and signature applied by the Ottoman sultans to every royal edict. Different types were used by the early rulers. Suleiman the Magnificent (r. 1520–66) introduced a standard calligraphic design, starting from right with two to three horizontal lines, drawing a large oval to the left, and ending in the center with intervening letters at the bottom and three vertical undulated axes at the top. Each sultan’s tughra is slightly different, but typically comprises the name of the reigning sultan as well as his father’s name, his title, and the phrase "the eternally victorious." In this example, administrative function and artistry have created a masterpiece of Ottoman calligraphy, where the designed surface is filled with ornaments such as the scrolling floral vines in gold and blue.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Tughra (Insignia) of Sultan Süleiman the Magnificent (r. 1520–66)
  • Date: ca. 1555–60
  • Geography: Attributed to Turkey, Istanbul
  • Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Tughra:
    H. 20 1/2 in. (52.1 cm)
    W. 23 1/2 in. (59.7cm)
    Mat:
    H. 25 in. (63.5 cm)
    W. 30 in. (76.2 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1938
  • Object Number: 38.149.2
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
Tughra (Insignia) of Sultan Süleiman the Magnificent (r. 1520–66), Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Tughra (Insignia) of Sultan Süleiman the Magnificent (r. 1520–66)
ca. 1555–60
"The Angel Gabriel meets 'Amr ibn Zaid (the Shepherd)", Folio from a Siyer-i Nebi (the Life of the Prophet), Mustafa ibn Vali, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"The Angel Gabriel meets 'Amr ibn Zaid (the Shepherd)", Folio from a Siyer-i Nebi (the Life of the Prophet)
Painting by Mustafa ibn Vali
Patron Commissioned by Sultan Murad III
Author Mustafa b. Yusuf al-Darir al-Erzerumi
ca. 1595
Tile with Floral and Cloud-band Design, Stonepaste; polychrome painted under transparent glaze
Tile with Floral and Cloud-band Design
ca. 1578
Short Sword (Yatagan) from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–66), Ahmed Tekelü possibly Iranian, Steel, gold, ivory (walrus), silver, turquoise, pearls, rubies, Turkish, Istanbul
Short Sword (Yatagan) from the Court of Süleyman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–66)
Sword maker Workshop of Ahmed Tekelü
ca. 1525–30
"Akbar With Lion and Calf", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Govardhan, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"Akbar With Lion and Calf", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
Painting by Govardhan
Calligrapher Mir 'Ali Haravi
verso: ca. 1630; recto: ca. 1530–50

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