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"Zal Expounds the Mysteries of the Magi", Folio 87v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
Painting attributed to Qadimi Iranian
Painting attributed to 'Abd al-'Aziz
ca. 1525
Not on view
The Shahnama made for the Safavid ruler Shah Tahmasp (r. 1524–76) is the most luxurious sixteenth‑century copy of this poem about the legendary kings of Iran. It took more than twenty years to complete and involved two generations of the best Safavid artists, including Qadimi, painter of the scene here, who worked on many projects for Shah Tahmasp. In this painting, the hero Zal seeks advice on his wish to marry Rudaba from the wise Magi, seated at the foot of his throne.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Zal Expounds the Mysteries of the Magi", Folio 87v 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 Qadimi (Iranian, active ca. 1525–1565)
  • 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. 10 15/16 in. (27.9 cm)
    W. 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm)
    Page:
    H. 18 1/2 in. (47 cm)
    W. 12 9/16 in. (31.9 cm)
    Mat:
    H. 22 in. (55.9 cm)
    W. 16 in. (40.6 cm)
    Frame: H. 23 in. (58.4 cm)
    W. 17 in. (43.2 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
  • Object Number: 1970.301.14
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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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
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"Rustam Wrestles with Puladvand", Folio from a Shahnama, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque water color and gold on paper
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"Fifth Joust, The Death of Simurgh by the Hands of Isfandiyar," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
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"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)
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