"Turban" helmets are so-called from similarities to the traditional headdress of Turkish men. Chain mail, protecting the neck and face, was attached to holes on the lower edges. Surfaces could be decorated by vertical fluting and etched patterns of scrolls and floral motifs.For the latest information about this object, helmets, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
This is a reconstructed portion of a full suit of armor that a Turkish soldier would have worn into battle. The chain mail that links the circular breast- and backplates to the steel plates at the sides and shoulders would have continued down over the warrior's forearms and connected with plate coverings that provided further protection from elbow to wrist. (The leather straps are modern replacements for sections of mail.) The soldier also might have been equipped with plate leg guards or with a long skirt or trousers made of mail and reinforced with additional steel plates.
The decoration of the plates features floral motifs, Arabic inscriptions (on the back) and interlaced patterns-decorative elements used throughout the history of Islamic art.For the latest information about this object, body armor, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Ottoman DynastyInscriptions: Reign: Style:
The Turkish arms and armor collected during the 1500s and 1600s in Habsburg circles were either trophies of a feared enemy or diplomatic gifts. They reflected efforts to repel the invasions of Europe by successive sultans of the Ottoman dynasty, who, as caliphs-successors of the prophet Muhammad as leaders of Islam-considered themselves obliged to wage holy wars against non-Muslims. The Ottoman Empire, with its capital at Constantinople (present-day Istanbul, Turkey), reached its height as a world power during the reign of Suleiman I the Magnificent (r. 1520-66) whose European incursions reached as far as Vienna. The Habsburgs led the defense of Christian Europe: the Spanish branch, at sea and in North Africa, and the Austrian branch, on land, with a decisive victory in 1683 at Vienna.For the latest information about this object, body armor, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
This is part of the so-called "Turkish Hunting Set" consisting of the Ottoman gun (Walters 51.84) and various accessories contained within a large Parisian case (Walters 64.165).
The dagger fits inside a compartment in the butt of the gun. The steel blade is false damascened with gold wire, a technique called "koftgari", to create foliate patterns and two partly legible Turkish couplet inscriptions. Two long sections of the blade are cut through, so that the middle section stands free and ends in a triangular leaf shaped section studded with gems. The grip, guard, and pommel are gilded silver, set emeralds and rubies, and engraved with abstract designs.
For the latest information about this object, daggers, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Ottoman DynastyInscriptions: [Transcription] 2 partly legible Turkish coupletsReign: Style:
This dagger, or "jambiya", is decorated with a floral pattern in a half-medallion.For the latest information about this object, jambiya; daggers (weapons), visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Mughal DynastyInscriptions: Reign: Style:
Elephant drivers controlled an elephant’s movements by using the goad’s sharp point to prick the delicate skin behind the animal’s ear. Indian elephant trainers have used tools like this one to manage their animals for thousands of years. The handle of this example depicts a tiger either consuming or vomiting a "makara," a mythical sea creature and a common motif throughout South Asia.For the latest information about this object, agricultural equipment; goads, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
This helmet is engraved with floral patterns and arabesques.For the latest information about this object, helmets, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Ottoman DynastyInscriptions: Reign: Style:
"Turban" helmets are so-called from similarities to the traditional headdress of Turkish men. Chain mail, protecting the neck and face, was attached to holes on the lower edges. Surfaces could be decorated by vertical fluting and etched patterns of scrolls and floral motifs.For the latest information about this object, helmets, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
The wearer of this helmet would have been protected by the sturdy steel cap and nasal (the thin section that slid down over the nose) and by the chain mail around the face and neck. Further protection for the Muslim warrior, who may have been a cavalryman, was provided by the inscription, now largely effaced, at the cap's lower edge. It is part of a verse from the Qur'an that ends: "God is all-hearing, all-knowing" (Sura al-Baqara: chapter 2, verse 256). The overall arabesque, or scrollwork, design above the inscription is another common decorative motif on Islamic armor.For the latest information about this object, helmets, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
Made for Ottoman sultan Mahmud I (r. 1730-1754), this bejeweled gun conceals compartments for a dazzlingly adorned dagger and set of writing instruments. To get to them, one opens the hinged door bearing the diamond-encrusted insignia or tuğra of Mahmud I and the date AH 1145 (1732/33 CE). This unique set of objects represents two activities important to Ottoman sultans in this period: marksmanship and calligraphy. Sultans were expected to be both proficient hunters and adept writers. The gun was never shot, though, and therefore probably served as a spectacular element of imperial regalia.
Many artisans were involved in the design, engineering, and decoration of Mahmud’s gun set. The gunsmith Isma‘il impressed his mark on the gun’s barrel. The top of the barrel is also inscribed with the date AH 1145 (1732/33 CE) and the Arabic phrase ma sha’a Allah (What God has willed). The jeweling can be attributed to an Armenian Christian, Hovhannes Agha Duzian (d. 1744), who was chief goldsmith under Mahmud’s predecessor, Ahmed III, and continued to work in that elevated position for Mahmud I. The miquelet lock, added to the gun later potentially replacing the original, also bears the name of its maker, Muhammad, and its former owner, Ahmad Khan.For the latest information about this object, guns; muskets, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Ottoman DynastyInscriptions: [Translation] On barrel: What God wills; [Translation] On flintlock: Work of Muhammad, its owner is Ahmad Khan; [Seal or Tughra] Hidden under panel in stock: Sultan Mahmud IReign: Style:
This is part of the so-called "Turkish Hunting Set" consisting of the Ottoman gun (Walters 51.84) and various accessories contained within a large Parisian case (Walters 64.165). The pen box fits into the butt of the gun and itself contains a pen holder (Walters 51.87) and a knife (Walters 57.620). It also has an inkwell in the end that opens.For the latest information about this object, pen boxes, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
This pen ("kalam") holder is part of the writing set inside of the pen box (Walters 51.78) that is contained in the Ottoman gun (Walters 51.84), which belongs to the so-called "Turkish Hunting Set." The piece is studded with rubies and emeralds and has an all-over floral design spiraling from the top to the bottom. The pen's reed nib is inserted at one end and the other is capped with a bezel set emerald.For the latest information about this object, boxes (containers), visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
The sheath is entirely decorated at its drop-shaped tip with spirals, rosettes, and rhombic appliqués. The upper part displays arabesque leaves and tendrils and the buckle as well as lower tip is decorated with rhombic and rosette-shaped appliqués. The back of the upper part is blank. Thuma daggers were produced only for the Zaydi Muslim elite. They were very precious, and kept in families for generations.
On the back of the sheath is an Arabic stamp with the name of the ruler and a date: al-Mansur 115x. The stamp belongs to Imam al-Mansur al-Husayn, who lived from AH 1139 to 1161 (AD 1775-1809).
An engraved inscription in Hebrew names the silversmith: H(arun) Kasil. It is possible that H(arun) Kasil was the same Kasil who lived also under al-Mahdi al-"Abbas, see Walters 57.2319.For the latest information about this object, daggers; sheaths (cases), visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: [Stamp] In Arabic: al-Mansur 115x; [Engraved] In Hebrew:
H(arun) (?) KasilReign: Al-Mansur al-Husayn (1139-1161 AH/AD 1775-1809)Style:
The chased front of the sheath is has a perforated, arabesque floral and tendril décor. The buckle is a modern replacement and has rhombic and bead-molded attachments. The tip is formed in the shape of a bud.
The back is blank, but has a stamp with the date in Arabic: Qifal 1176. The date belongs to the reign of al-Mahdi al "Abbas (AH 1161-1189/AD 1748-1775).
An engraved inscription in Hebrew names the silversmith: Sulayman Maswari, rub'i. The term "rub'i" is Arabic (but written here in Hebrew script) and means "half."For the latest information about this object, daggers; sheaths (cases), visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: [Stamp] In Arabic: Qifal 1176; [Engraved] In Hebrew: Sulayman Maswari, rub'iReign: Al-Mahdi al ‘Abbas (AH 1161–1189/AD 1748–1775)Style:
Dynasty: Ottoman DynastyInscriptions: [Signature] Haji Salim from Trebizond; [Translation] O God, for us make it easy and do not make it difficult. Bring us good luck and save us from bad eyes.Reign: Style: Ottoman
The scalloped blade is inscribed with an Arabic couplet: “In cowardice is shame, and in boldness is nobility. For man does not by cowardice escape from fate.”For the latest information about this object, swords; scimitars, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Ottoman DynastyInscriptions: [Translation] Inscribed on blade: In cowardice is shame, and in boldness is nobility; for a man does not by cowardice escape from fate.Reign: Style:
Of the various types of Islamic arms, the sword (or saber) and dagger were the most prized by European and American collectors, including Henry Walters. These works were admired for their diverse shapes and materials and especially for their rich and intricate surface decoration.For the latest information about this object, swords, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Ottoman DynastyInscriptions: [Signature] Inscribed on inlaid silver: Work of Umar [Sahib Agha?] 1225.Reign: Style:
Of the various types of Islamic arms, the sword (or saber) and dagger were the most prized by European and American collectors, including Henry Walters. These works were admired for their diverse shapes and materials and especially for their rich and intricate surface decoration.For the latest information about this object, swords, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Ottoman DynastyInscriptions: [Signature] Inscribed on inlaid silver: Work of Umar [Sahib Agha?] 1225.Reign: Style:
Of the various types of Islamic arms, the sword (or saber) and dagger were the most prized by European and American collectors, including Henry Walters. These works were admired for their diverse shapes and materials and especially for their rich and intricate surface decoration.For the latest information about this object, swords; scabbards, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Ottoman DynastyInscriptions: Reign: Style:
Although their blades were often of inferior quality, Yemeni daggers had beautifully ornamented sheaths with elaborate silverwork, as seen here. These daggers, which symbolically highlighted male courage and strength, played an important role in certain dances by men. Daggers were positioned in belts made of colorful fabric. In addition to being silversmiths, Yemeni Jews excelled as producers of textiles and were known to weave the belts that held the daggers.
The dagger is inscribed in Arabic nusfi 1267, meaning "half" and 1267 (the date); it is inscribed in Hebrew mahasit (half). The date may be associated with the reign of al Mutawakkil "Ali (AH 1267) or that of al-Mansur Ahmad (AH 1266–67).For the latest information about this object, daggers; sheaths (cases), visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: [Stamp] In Arabic: nusfi 1267; [Engraved] In Hebrew: Sulayman Salih, mahasitReign: Al-Mutawakkil ‘Ali (?); Al-Mansur Ahmad (?)Style:
A warrior would have worn this helmet over a cloth turban. He would have been confident of being safeguarded in battle by the writing around the helmet's rim. The inscription from the Qur'an is garbled, however, indicating that its Iranian maker may not have known Arabic. Yet the presence of Arabic writing apparently was thought to be enough to invoke the protective power of God's word.
This helmet once belonged to the royal arsenal in Istanbul, Turkey. It was probably part of the war booty amassed by the Ottoman Dynasty during the many wars between Turkey and Iran. Later, it was owned by the French painter Jean-Léon Gérôme, who traveled throughout the Near East and painted many scenes of Muslim life.For the latest information about this object, helmets, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
This helmet bears the distinctive mark of the royal arsenal in Istanbul, capital of the Ottoman Dynasty of Turkey (1453-1922). Composed of a circle enclosing a loop over three vertical lines, the stamp is clearly visible to the right of the nose guard on this helmet. In 1839, the Ottoman repository discarded some of its holdings and sold them on the open market. The famous French artist Jean-Léon Gérôme was among the European collectors who acquired these Islamic arms and armor including this very helmet.For the latest information about this object, helmets, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
Helmets like this, which have preserved their original chain-mail "aventail," or face and neck covering, have been likened to masks that conceal the face and create a sense of mystery. Their primary function, however, was to protect the wearer. Islamic helmets often were decorated with inscriptions that invoke God's power and blessing. Sometimes, as here, the writing cannot be easily deciphered and may even be meaningless-the presence of letter-like designs was evidently regarded as sufficient protection.For the latest information about this object, helmets, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Safavid DynastyInscriptions: Reign: Style: