Talisman
Ottoman dynasty (1299–1923), 1825
Medium
Silk, plain weave; edged with plain weave; embroidered with silk and gilt-metal-strip-wrapped silk in chain and lattice filled with twisted picot stitches. Lining: silk, 4/1 satin weave
Dimensions
32.4 × 24.4 cm (12 3/4 × 9 5/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
71588
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Textile Department of the Art Institute of Chicago, this enchanting *Talisman* from 1825 exemplifies the Ottoman Empire's masterful textile traditions during its long dynasty (1299–1923). Measuring a compact 32.4 × 24.4 cm, this small, portable object was likely worn or carried for personal protection, reflecting the era's blend of artistry and spirituality. Ottoman textiles were renowned for their opulence, often serving practical, decorative, and talismanic purposes in daily life. Crafted from silk plain weave with a luxurious 4/1 satin weave lining, the talisman is edged in ...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...