'Alam

Title:

'Alam

Date:

1664-1665 (Early Modern)

Description:

Originally mounted on a tall pole and dressed with fabric streamers, this standard (‘alam) was paraded through the streets and public squares of Iran during ritual festivities commemorating the martyrdom of Husayn (d. 680), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. Projecting dragon heads frame an intricate calligraphic composition that bears the names of the 12 imams (religious leaders) central to the branch of Shia Islam adopted as the official state religion by the Safavid dynasty (1501–1736). Adherents of Shia Islam believe that the legitimate successor to the Prophet Muhammad was ‘Ali, the father of Husayn and son-in-law of Muhammad.For the latest information about this object, standards, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: [Inscriptions] On front at bottom: عمل محمد تقی اردوبادی; [Translation] Work of Muhammad Taqi Ordubadi; [Inscription] On back at bottom:۱۰۷۵; الله ولی توفیق; [Translation] 1075; God is the bestower of success Reign: Style:

Type:

standards

Subject:

Culture: Safavid

Provenance:

Acquired by Wilfried Uhde, Heidelberg, Germany, March 1987; purchased by Sam Fogg Ltd., London, February 2017; purchased by Walters Art Museum, 2017.

Medium:

cast, hammered, and pierced iron

Extent:

Dimensions: H: 49 7/16 × Max W: 16 5/8 × D: 3/8 in. (125.5 × 42.2 × 1 cm); Base H: 5 9/16 × W: 7 3/8 in. (14.1 × 18.7 cm)

Rights:

Public Domain

Identifier:

52.317

Is part of:

ISL
Islamic Art

Feedback