"Dervish With a Lion", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album

Padarath|Sultan 'Ali al-Mashhadi

verso: ca. 1630; recto: ca. 1500 · Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper · Islamic Art

During the reigns of Jahangir and Shah Jahan, devotees were favorably received, and often indulged, at court. The dervish depicted here has accoutrements associated with a mystic of the time such as a satchel, fur skirt, and distinctive head gear. He also has the dedicatory scars from self-inflicted burns on his upper arm. The floral borders in the Shah Jahan Album, many created by Daulat, combine real and imagined plants with insects, birds, and cloud bands.

Artist

Padarath|Sultan 'Ali al-Mashhadi

Date

verso: ca. 1630; recto: ca. 1500

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Purchase, Rogers Fund and The Kevorkian Foundation Gift, 1955