Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi

1475–1675

Not on view

This monumental Safavid copy of the celebrated Shahnama epic is bound in a gleaming gilded-leather bookbinding adorned with a paintinglike landscape containing animal and birds. The figural decoration extends into the cartouches surrounding the central scene, which enclose leonine masks and flying waterbirds. The weight of the many pages within the binding has worn down the surface decoration of the main panel, but the envelope flap on the right clearly depicts wild boar, deer, cranes, fish, and a variety of foliage.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
Date: 1475–1675
Geography: Attributed to Iran, Tabriz
Medium: Leather; tooled and gilded; ink on paper
Dimensions: H. 18 1/2 in. (47 cm)
W. 13 in. (33 cm)
D. 3 1/8 in. (8 cm)
Classification: Codices
Credit Line: Gift of Alexander Smith Cochran, 1913
Object Number: 13.228.14
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

By Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

In the same medium

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"The Murder of Iraj," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, watercolor, and gold on paper — "The Murder of Iraj," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
late 15th century

"Rustam Kills Isfandiyar with a Double Pointed Arrow", Folio from a Shahnama, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper — "Rustam Kills Isfandiyar with a Double Pointed Arrow", Folio from a Shahnama
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
15th century

"Rustam Wrestles with Puladvand", Folio from a Shahnama, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque water color and gold on paper — "Rustam Wrestles with Puladvand", Folio from a Shahnama
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
15th century

"Fifth Joust, The Death of Simurgh by the Hands of Isfandiyar," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings), Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, gold and metallic paint, and watercolor on paper — "Fifth Joust, The Death of Simurgh by the Hands of Isfandiyar," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
16th century

"Zahhak Brought as a Prisoner before Faridun", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings), Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper — "Zahhak Brought as a Prisoner before Faridun", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
last quarter 15th century

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