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"Manuchihr Welcomes Sam but Orders War upon Mihrab", Folio 80v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
Painting attributed to 'Abd al-'Aziz
ca. 1525
Not on view
Sam arrived at the imperial court and was received by Shah Manuchihr, who listened with admiration as he reported on the victories and adventures of the campaign. However, when Sam broached the subject of his son Zal marrying his beloved Rudaba, the Shah would have none of it. Instead, he commanded Sam to leave at once for a war of annihilation against King Mihrab, Rudaba’s father. The artist, an assistant to Sultan Muhammad, has charmingly depicted a standard court scene populated by squat Turkman-type figures.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Manuchihr Welcomes Sam but Orders War upon Mihrab", Folio 80v 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 'Abd al-'Aziz (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. 11 1/16 in. (28.1 cm)
    W. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm)
    Entire Page:
    H. 18 9/16 in. (47.1 cm)
    W. 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
  • Object Number: 1970.301.9
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

Audio

Cover Image for 1171. Kids: Manuchihr Welcomes Sam but Orders War upon Mihrab, Folio from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

1171. Kids: Manuchihr Welcomes Sam but Orders War upon Mihrab, Folio from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

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