"Siyavush Plays Polo before Afrasiyab", Folio 180v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

"Siyavush Plays Polo before Afrasiyab", Folio from a Shahnama

The legendary prince Siyavush agrees to a game of polo suggested by his father-in-law Afrasiyab, king of the Turanians, but demands that he can select Persians for his team. So dominant are the Persians that Siyavush has to remind his players that this is a game and not war. and instructs them to let the Turanians win the ball for once. Siyavush is shown at the center of the composition, with a double plume and raised stick. Afrasiyab, together with his entourage, watch from the horizon.

[Asia Society 2004]

Shah Tahmasp, Iran (until 1568; gifted to Selim II); Sultan Selim II (Turkish), Istanbul (from 1568); Sultan Selim III, Istanbul (by 1800); Baron Edmond James de Rothschild (French), Paris (by 1903–d. 1934); his son, Baron Maurice de Rothschild, Paris and Geneva (1934–d. 1957); his son, Baron Edmond Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris and Geneva (1957–59); [ Stiebel Ltd., New York, until 1959; sold to Houghton]; Arthur A. Houghton Jr., New York (1959–70; gifted to MMA)

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