Imams Ali, Hasan and Husayn

Within a polylobed medallion, the Imam `Ali b. Abi Talib is kneeling in the center with halo of light surrounding his head. He holds a sword across his knees. His sons Hasan and Husayn kneel to either side of him. The medallion is set within an elaborately illuminated field and multiple borders. The outer border contains 16 medallions with calligraphy on a black ground. The date 1312 H (1894-95 appears in two small red quatrefoils on the lower border. Two signatures appear on this work, probably the signature of the painter within the figural medallion, and the signature of the illuminator within the lower border. It has not yet been possible to decipher either.