Art, Allegory and the Rise of Shi’ism in Iran, 1487-1565

Explores the ways in which esoteric religion shaped the masterpieces of classical Persian painting Transforming our understanding of Persian art, this impressive interdisciplinary book decodes some of the world’s most exquisite medieval paintings. It reveals the hidden meaning behind enigmatic figures and scenes that have puzzled modern scholars, focusing on five ‘miniature’ paintings. Chad Kia shows how the cryptic elements in these works of art from Timurid Persia conveyed the mystical teachin