Antiquities, Islamic, and Contemporary Middle Eastern Art: Featuring Selections from the Dr. Mohammed Said Farsi Collection
Lot 168:
This extraordinary piece is an external curtain, known as a Burqa’, originally used to cover the door of the Kaaba, the most sacred site in Islam. This curtain is meticulously crafted from silk and richly embroidered with metal threads, featuring intricate calligraphic inscriptions and elaborate floral and geometric patterns that exemplify the pinnacle of Islamic textile artistry.
The curtain is dominated by Quranic verses and invocations, all skillfully rendered in gold and silver thread against a deep black background. These inscriptions are not only decorative but also hold profound religious significance, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere of the Kaaba. The central portion of the curtain features an elaborate cartouche with the Shahada (Islamic declaration of faith), surrounded by a series of medallions and arabesques that are symmetrically arranged.
The borders of the curtain are similarly adorned with Quranic verses and intricate scrollwork, providing a framing effect that emphasizes the grandeur of the central designs. The lower portion is divided into two panels, which would have allowed the curtain to be parted when placed over the door of the Kaaba.
H: 360cm, W: 172cm
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