Islamic Art

9 of The Most Expensive Islamic Artworks

Islamic art has stunned the world with its beauty and value. Discover 9 masterpieces that set auction records with their rich history.

Goldframer

31 Mar 2026 — 4 min read

Qur'an manuscript belonging to Münire Sultan, the daughter of Sultan Abdülmecid. (Photograph: courtesy of IHA)

Islamic art continues to capture the imagination of collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide. Renowned for its intricate details, vibrant colors, and profound symbolism, it reflects centuries of artistic mastery and cultural heritage. Here, we explore some of the most valuable Islamic artworks ever sold, each carrying a rich historical and aesthetic significance.

1. Rustam Recovers Rakhsh, Shah Tahmasp

This exquisite folio from the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp illustrates Rustam, the Persian epic hero, recovering his beloved horse, Rakhsh. The vibrant colors and intricate details highlight the grandeur of Persian miniature art, which was celebrated during the Safavid period. The piece’s staggering sale price attests to its historical and artistic significance.

Sold for: $9.4 million

Sale Date: 2022

2. Young Woman Reading, Osman Hamdi Bey

Osman Hamdi Bey’s Kur’an Okuyan Kız (Young Woman Reading), painted in 1880, is a striking blend of Ottoman aesthetics and Western techniques. After 45 years in a private collection, it shattered expectations at Bonhams in London, selling for £6.3. This record-breaking sale further cemented Osman Hamdi Bey’s status in Turkish art history.

Sold for: £6.3 million

Sale Date: 2019

3. Rustam Kicking the Boulder, Shah Tahmasp

Another folio from the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp, this piece portrays Rustam's extraordinary strength as he hurls a massive boulder. The intricate artistry captures the narrative’s dynamic energy, reflecting the pinnacle of Persian miniature painting during Shah Tahmasp's reign.

Sold for: $6.3 million

Sale Date: 2022

4. Bizhan Slays Nastihan, Shah Tahmasp

This dramatic depiction of the battle between Bizhan and Nastihan demonstrates the Shahnameh’s ability to merge storytelling with artistic brilliance. Sold at an impressive price, this folio is a testament to the enduring appeal of Persian miniatures.

Sold for: $6.0 million

Sale Date: 2023

5. İstanbul Hanımefendisi by Osman Hamdi Bey

Osman Hamdi Bey’s İstanbul Hanımefendisi (A Lady of Constantinople), a 19th-century masterpiece, attracted intense bidding at Dorotheum Art Gallery in Vienna. With global collectors vying for ownership, the painting ultimately sold for €1.77 million, making it the highest-priced artwork auctioned at the gallery that year.

Sold for: €1.77 million

Sale Date: 2019

6. Baysunghur, Timurid Herat

Originating from the Timurid dynasty’s golden age, this artwork represents the flourishing artistic culture of Herat. Its rich detailing, gold embelilshment, and vibrant imagery reflect the sophistication of 15th-century Timurid art.

Sold for: $974,000

Sale Date: 2023

7. The Night Journey and Ascension, Ahmed Moustafa

Ahmed Moustafa’s contemporary masterpiece reimagines the spiritual journey of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The artwork’s dynamic calligraphy and vivid palette emphasize its modern interpretation of a timeless Islamic narrative. Through intricate layers and symbolic details, the piece captures the profound essence of the Prophet’s ascension to the heavens. It serves as a bridge between tradition and innovation, inspiring a renewed appreciation for this pivotal moment in Islamic history.

Sold for: $842,000

Sale Date: 2010

8. Hilya Sharif, Kazasker Mustafa Izzet Efendi

Created by the Ottoman master calligrapher Kazasker Mustafa Izzet Efendi, this Hilya Sharif exemplifies the elegance of 19th-century Islamic calligraphy. Its refined composition and devotional theme make it a treasured piece. A Hilya is a calligraphic description of the physical and moral attributes of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), serving both as an artistic masterpiece and a spiritual reminder.

Sold for: $800,000

Sale Date: 2010

9. 095TTV, Farhad Moshiri

Farhad Moshiri’s contemporary work combines Arabic calligraphy with modern aesthetics. Its innovative approach bridges the gap between traditional Islamic art and contemporary expression, resonating with collectors and art lovers alike.

Sold for: $782,000

Sale Date: 2010

The Enduring Value of Islamic Art

The remarkable auction prices of these artworks reflect the global appreciation for Islamic art’s beauty, historical significance, and cultural depth. Each piece is more than just an object; it is a testament to the artistic achievements of Islamic civilizations and their enduring influence on the world of art.