Antique Islamic Reverse Glass Painting Mythical Steed Buraq البُراق‎.

An antique reverse glass painting that depicts al-Buraq, a mythological steed, a creature from the heavens depicted as a winged horse with a woman's head. The painting is titled in Arabic below the stirrups - البُراق‎. - al-Burāq which translates as "lightning". We think that this reverse glass painting (poshteh shisheh) is Persian (Now Iran) and dates to the early 20th century circa 1910.

The image is painted in muted colours of brown, black, green, purple, white and gold on a grey base with an ochre coloured background. The painting is in a naive style in a rudimentary hand carved wooden frame, this is a very interesting, unusual and decorative item of Islamic art.

Al Buraq is an angelic being and is said to have carried the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on his "Night Journey" ( Isra and Mi'raj) in the 7th century, from Mecca to Jerusalem (believed to be at the present site of the Masjid al-Aqsa mosque, or “Temple Mount”). He was tested by Gabriel at God’s command and when he passed, Mohammad then ascended to the nearest heaven. These events are said to be recorded chapter (sura), 17  Al-Isra, of the Qur'an.

The frame is approximately 10 inches ( 25.4 cm) high by 7 3/4 inches  (19.7 cm) wide the width of the wooden frame is 3/8 inch (1 cm).  

The item is in very good antique condition, there is some marking and loss on the grey base and discolouration to the ochre ground.  The frame is in good original condition, there is some recent sealing tape to the back and replacement hanging loops and picture cord - please see the images. 

The picture in the frame weighs 430 grammes unpacked.

Free UK postage with this item. International shipping at cost.