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"The Combat of Rustam and Ashkabus", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1330–40
Not on view
The arrogant enemy-hero Ashkabus scorns Rustam for facing him on foot, so Rustam ensures that Ashkabus will also be on foot by shooting his horse out from under him. The white cloud suggests the dust of battle. The warrior behind Rustam wears an aventail to protect his face and holds a shield of cane with a radiating pattern, both of which appear, similarly drawn, in other illustrations from this period and must therefore represent actual Ilkhanid armor.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "The Combat of Rustam and Ashkabus", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
  • Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
  • Date: ca. 1330–40
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran, probably Isfahan
  • Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
  • Dimensions: Page:
    H. 8 in. (20.3 cm)
    W. 5 3/16 in. (13.2 cm)
    Painting:
    H. 1 11/16 in. (4.3 cm)
    W. 4 3/16 in. (10.7 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Monroe C. Gutman, 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.290.12
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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