Whirling Dervishes Sufi Dance Artwork – Ink and Gouache on Treated Linen Textile – Signed Original

A striking and spiritually charged original artwork by Cemal Tey, executed in ink and gouache on treated linen textile. Depicting five Whirling Dervishes in synchronized rotation, the work captures the meditative rhythm of the Mevlevi Sufi ceremony, a timeless symbol of unity and transcendence.

Tey’s use of textile as a support — instead of paper or canvas — adds both warmth and texture, recalling Ottoman manuscript traditions and Anatolian folk artistry. The layering of translucent washes with opaque white robes creates movement and grace, while the subtle ink outlines define each figure’s spiritual focus.

Beautifully framed under glass with a soft cream mat and gilt frame, this piece harmonizes modern expression with cultural heritage, making it a distinctive acquisition for collectors of Orientalist, Turkish, or Sufi-inspired art.

Key Features:

Authenticity:
Original signed artwork by Cemal Tey, dated 1999 (signature lower right).

Technique / Medium:
Ink and gouache on treated linen textile (mixed-media hand-painted work).

Material:
Textile mounted on card, framed under glass with cream mat and gilt wood frame.

Dimensions:

Frame: approx. 50 × 40 cm (19.7 × 15.7 in)

Visible artwork: approx. 35 × 25 cm (13.8 × 9.8 in)

Condition:
Excellent overall. The textile shows natural age toning consistent with material, but no damage, tears, or discoloration. Frame and mat in very good condition, ready to hang.

Usage:
Ideal for collectors, interior decorators, or art lovers seeking authentic Turkish spiritual art. Perfect for living rooms, cultural centers, or meditation spaces.

Provenance Story:

This artwork was rediscovered in a private Istanbul collection once belonging to a Turkish art curator who specialized in Sufi-themed works from the late 20th century. Cemal Toy’s pieces from this period are particularly prized for their delicate textile technique — a rare and poetic blend of modern ink drawing with traditional Anatolian materials. The piece was carefully conserved and reframed to museum standards.