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"The Feast of Sada", Folio 22v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
Painting attributed to Sultan Muhammad Iranian
ca. 1525
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 462
In the reign of Hushang, grandson of Gayumars, the world came to understand the usefulness of minerals and the arts of smithery, agriculture, and irrigation. One day, Hushang spied a dragon lurking behind the rocks. He hurled a stone at it, which missed the monster but hit a larger rock, causing sparks to fly. Realizing the significance of this phenomenon, Hushang built a large fire and held a feast to celebrate its discovery. The witty yet benevolent depictions of people and animals characterize the liveliest of Sultan Muhammad’s creations. Also typical of his style is the oval composition with mountains rising into the margins of the page.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "The Feast of Sada", Folio 22v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
  • Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
  • Artist: Painting attributed to Sultan Muhammad (Iranian, active first half 16th century)
  • Date: ca. 1525
  • Geography: Made in Iran, Tabriz
  • Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Painting:
    H. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm)
    W. 9 1/16 in. (23 cm)
    Page:
    H. 18 1/2 in. (47 cm)
    W.12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm)
    Mat:
    H. 22 in. (55.9 cm)
    W. 16 in. (40.6 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
  • Object Number: 1970.301.2
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

Audio

Cover Image for 9794. Kids: "The Feast of Sada", Folio from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

9794. Kids: "The Feast of Sada", Folio from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

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