"The Four Knights of Kai Khusrau in the Mountains", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
Calligrapher Hasan ibn Muhammad ibn `Ali ibn (?) Husaini, known as al-Mausili
Commissioned by al-Hasan Qawam al-Daula wa'l-Din Iranian
One of the stories of the Shahnama tells of the Shah Kai Khusrau, riding off into the mountains and disappearing in the snow. When his knights realize he is missing, they set off to find him. As they stop to rest, however, a snowstorm descends and they perish in their sleep. This painting depicts the four companions and their horses amid the mountain peaks, which appear as though in miniature.
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