The Prophet Muhammad's Ascent to Heaven (painting, verso; text, recto), folio from a manuscript of the Khamsa (Iskandarnama) by Nizami
Persian
This depiction of the miraculous night journey of Muhammad shows him facing right, following the lead of Gabriel. The Archangel holds a green banner, and the Prophet, his face veiled, rides his mystical steed, Buraq. Colorful, vessel-bearing angels gather around them. In the upper right corner of this painting appear two motifs absent from the other illustration: lion and sun, which traditionally are Shi'i symbols associated with the house of the Prophet.
Ink, opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Safavid period