Angels above the Ka`ba in Mecca, folio from a dispersed anthology

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Angels above the Ka`ba in Mecca, folio from a dispersed anthology. This night-scene shows rows of angels among golden clouds, two of whom carry a covered tray, billowing scented smoke to represent blessings (barakat). Far below them is the Ka`ba sanctuary in Mecca, with pilgrims around it. The angels all face toward the right, because this painting is from a double-page composition: on the opposite page (Chester Beatty Per 292.1), the Prophet Muhammad rides his magical steed Buraq through the skies, accompanied by more angels, on his Night Journey (Mir`raj) or Ascension (Isra'). This image was often used for the opening pages of poetry anthologies, together with verses praising the Prophet. Folio, ink, colours and gold on paper, Persian poetry in nasta`liq script with full-page painting (recto), left side of a double-page composition, folio trimmed and remounted on album page, Shiraz, Iran, c. 1410.