my absolute favourite in the fantastic Museum of Islamic Civilisation in #Sharjah is this vase:
Mina’i ceramic vase with seated figures and sphinxes.
Circa 6th century AH/ 12th century AD, Kashan, Iran.
The central figure is that of a winged sphinx:
At first because of the wings i thought it to be a buraq so writing down the key differences.
The Winged Sphinx in Greek mythology has a lion’s body, a woman’s head, and eagle’s wings. It’s famous for its role in the Oedipus story and is linked with riddles and mystery.
The Buraq is a legendary supernatural creature in Islamic tradition, described as a winged, horse-like being with a human face. It is famous for carrying the Prophet Muhammad during his Night Journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and through the heavens. The name “Buraq,” meaning “lightning” in Arabic, reflects its great speed. It’s also believed to have transported other prophets, like Abraham, over long distances quickly. In art, it’s often shown with wings and a peacock’s tail.
#sphinx #sharjah
