James Baillie Fraser (1783-1856), The Tomb of Sheikh Bayazeed at Bostam in Khurasan, 1822

Watercolour on paper, inscription in ink on reverse in James Baillie Fraser's hand "The Tomb of Sheikh Bayazid at Bastam in Khorasan", numbered 14 at upper left and 9 at upper right

James Baillie Fraser (1783-1856)
By direct descent to Malcolm R. Fraser Esq.

This watercolour was painted by James Baillie Fraser during his return journey from India to Britain in 1821-23, when he travelled extensively through Persia. His route took him from Bombay to Bushehr, then on to Shiraz, Isfahan, Tehran, Khurasan, Gurgan, Gilan, Ardebil, Tabriz, Tiflis, Odessa and Vienna. He arrived back in 1823. See introductory note on pp.66-67 for further information about the artist.

Sheikh Bayazid of Bastam (804-874) was a famous and highly influential Sufi mystic.