OTTOMAN TURKEY, 18TH CENTURY

Details

A HILYEH
OTTOMAN TURKEY, 18TH CENTURY
Of rectangular form, the elaborate gilt frame formed of leafy scrolls with four oval wooden panels in the corners holding the names of the companions of the Prophet, above this a trefoiled panel with a central oval with the names of 'Allah and Muhammad, within the frame a circular panel containing a hilyeh of the Prophet, above and below panels containing the bismallah, all three on a red background with white floral sprays, some losses of paint and gilt
34 5/8 x 16 5/8in. (88.1 x 41.8cm.)

Special notice

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The hilyeh is a description of the Prophet Muhammad, rendered in calligraphic format. Credit for the layout of the classic hileyh goes to the famous Ottoman calligrapher, Hafiz Othman. The layout is usually with the bismallah above, followed by the description and with the names of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs in roundels. It was often an examination piece for budding calligraphers, submitted by the pupil to master (Nabil Safwat, The Art of the Pen, Oxford, 1996, pp. 46-49).

More from Art of The Islamic And Indian Worlds

View All