An Illustrated Shiʿi Pilgrimage Scroll in the Collections of the Royal Asiatic Society

Abstract The collections of the Royal Asiatic Society hold an illustrated pilgrimage scroll apparently dating from first half nineteenth century. scroll's hand painted images relate to journey that a pious Shiʿi Muslim would have undertaken after performance Mecca. Its visual narrative continues, Medina and then sanctuaries in present-day Iraq, concluding Iranian city Mashhad at sanctuary eighth imam Twelver-Shiʿi creed, Riḍā (d. 818). was likely prepared early century acquired by its unknown previous owner sometime 1857. In terms chronology fits neatly into period between Niebuhr scroll, bought Karbala 1765, lithographed item most latter century, both which depict corresponding journey. present essay's initial survey dimension, Ulrich Marzolph, adds hitherto details history similar objects. report, Mathilde Renauld, sheds light on material condition difficulties encountered during object's conservation their solution.