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dated 1235 AH/1819–20 CE
Not on view
Inscribed with the names of God, the Prophet Muhammad and the first four leaders of the Muslim community, and bordered by Qur'anic verses, this silk sanjak (shield-shaped banner) displays an image of a two-bladed sword with a dragon-headed hilt. Referred to as Dhu'l Fiqar and associated with military victory, this sword is said to have belonged to 'Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet. While Ottoman banners similar to this one were used as military insignia from the 15th century onward, this example bears an early 19th century date, and may have been borne instead by the faithful during pilgrimage to Mecca.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Banner
  • Date: dated 1235 AH/1819–20 CE
  • Geography: Attributed to Turkey, probably Istanbul
  • Medium: Silk, metal wrapped thread; lampas, brocaded
  • Dimensions: Textile: H. 115 3/4 in. (294 cm)
    W. 85 1/2 in. (217.2 cm)
  • Classification: Textiles-Woven
  • Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1976
  • Object Number: 1976.312
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Inscribed Banner, Isma'il Kashani Iranian, Silk, metal wrapped thread; lampas
Inscribed Banner
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dated 1107 AH/1695–96 CE
Saber with Scabbard, Acem Oglu Turkish, Steel, silver-gilt, gold, agate, wood, leather, Turkish, Ottoman
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Bladesmith Blade signed by Acem Oglu
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Safavid Courtiers Leading Georgian Captives
mid-16th century
Bindalli Wedding Dress, Cotton, metal wrapped thread; embroidered
Bindalli Wedding Dress
mid-19th–early 20th century

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