Draped in a blue khirqa, a cloak worn by Sufis, characterised by extremely long sleeves, a dervish stands engaged in a thoughtful demeanour. His garment is one with a special meaning, awarded to a member of the  Sufi order after fter several years of initiation. It acknowledges that he is a link in the silsilah (chain) of divine knowledge, originating with the Prophet Muhammad.

In nastaʿliq script, the inscription around the outside is by the mystical poet Jalal al-Din Rumi (13th century CE) known as Maulana. It is closely related to Sufi thought.

The entire poem, including the missing parts, states that human beings are like pens in God's hand and, without His will, are lifeless; with His will, they are full of life [and can achieve anything]. This concept can be interpreted as a form of Determinism. The word "siyah" (black) in this poem refers to bad fortune and to human destiny after the banishment of Adam and Eve from heaven, which ultimately led to their fall and brought about human suffering.

Date: Late 16th–early 17th century

Geography: Attributed to Iran

Medium: Ink, opaque watercolour, and gold on paper

Decorated with opulent and fantastical flowering scenes on lacquer, the print was originally made for a manuscript. Depictions of flowering vases are a known design from the Deccan, and the fertile trees are oftentimes interpreted as "Tree of Life" motifs.

The unusually large scale of the birds and insects in the scene is characteristic of the whimsical creativity of artists from the Deccan region of India.

Date: ca. 1700

Geography: Made in India, Deccan, Bijapur or Golconda

Medium: Lacquer, opaque watercolor, and gold on leather