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The Prophet Muhammad's Ascent to Heaven (painting, verso; text, recto), folio from a manuscript of the Khamsa (Iskandarnama) by Nizami

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

Manuscripts