Behind the Design: Diwani Collection

Stretching from Europe, through Asia, to the Horn of Africa, the Ottoman Empire was synonymous with eccentricity, grandeur and power. Diwani was the most famous and grand of all Ottoman scripts, and used predominantly by Ottoman royalty.

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The script is characterised by lively curves, which are accentuated by a slight slant, its coiling glyphs unravelling towards the end of words and phrases. Diwani’s uniqueness was highlighted by unconventional letter connections, which had never before been seen, and made it difficult to read. Its complexity was ingeniously intentional; Diwani had been developed as a secret code, which could only be deciphered by special officials in the intrigue-ridden Ottoman court.

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Inspired by the intrigue and drama, Silsal revives Diwani with this namesake collection. Colourful orange and greens hues, reminiscent of the Ottomans’ opulent fashions, animate the confidence of the script. The distinctive curve and signature slant are exaggerated, while decorative designs fill spaces between words.

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Silsal’s Diwani collection aims to both decipher and celebrate the mystique of the cryptic script, once reserved for only the most elite members of society. In doing so, it revives the confidence and spectacle of the Ottomans, tempered with a touch of modern minimalism.

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LAVENDER MUG‏
$18

EVERLASTING GLORY ARABIC COFFEE CUP‏
$11

DIWANI ARABIC COFFEE CUP
$11

DIWANI ARABIC COFFEE CUP‏
$11

DOUBLE-WALLED CUPS‏
$15

GLORY & PROSPERITY ESPRESSO CUP‏
$17

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