artistic productions of the Muhammadan world that have come down to us as living monuments, substantiate this statement without a shadow of doubt, which makes it unnecessary to resort to recorded history, although its pages abound with incontestable evidences.[5]
It would be difficult to offer an explanation for the underlying unity and integrity of character manifest in the artistic expression of the Muhammadan countries, of vast geographical range, without a clear understanding of the vital force contained in the teachings of the Arabian Apostle, and the characteristics of his people, destined to carry those teachings from one end of the earth to the other. For this reason the foregoing brief survey has been ventured.
There can be no doubt that the pivot around which the artistic activities of Muhammadan countries revolved, was Persia.[6] She was to attain the function of the Sun, element of
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ILLUSTRATIONS FOR TITLE-PAGES OF A SHAHNAMA (Epic of Kings) of the XVth Century.
Representing Timur-i-Lang (A.H. 736-807) attending a festival. The name and the full titles of Timur appear in excellent Thuluth lettering round the border of the rug upon which the monarch sits.
This important Manuscript was presented by the Emperor of Russia to the Ambassador of Persia at St. Petersburg, A.D. 1829. The Ambassador's autograph inscription reads:
"The Shahnama graciously presented by H.M. the Emperor at my third visit—may it be omen of good fortune. Muhammad Ali ibni Ghafouri Ambassador, 22nd of Rajab, A.H. 1245."