ticketsMember | Make a donation

"Kai Khusrau's War Prizes Are Pledged", Folio 225v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
Painting attributed to Aqa Mirak Iranian
ca. 1530
Not on view
In preparation for war with the Turanians, Kai Khusrau ordered treasures and armor to be brought forth from the royal treasury and promised as prizes to the winners of six feats of prowess in the coming hostilities. Trays of gems and armor sit on the ground before the king. The style of this painting is characteristic of the third director of the Shahnama project, Aqa Mirak. The harmony of the composition is achieved not only by balancing solids and voids but also through the distribution of ultramarine blue, orange-red, and light green across the image against a ground of light blue.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Kai Khusrau's War Prizes Are Pledged", Folio 225v 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 Aqa Mirak (Iranian, active ca. 1525–1576 Qazvin)
  • Date: ca. 1530
  • Geography: Made in Iran, Tabriz
  • Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Painting:
    H. 9 5/16 in. (23.7 cm)
    W. 10 7/16 in. (26.5 cm)
    Page:
    H. 18 5/8 in. (47.3 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: 1970.301.34
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
"The Murder of Iraj," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, watercolor, and gold on paper
"The Murder of Iraj," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
late 15th century
"Rustam Kills Isfandiyar with a Double Pointed Arrow", Folio from a Shahnama, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
"Rustam Kills Isfandiyar with a Double Pointed Arrow", Folio from a Shahnama
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
15th century
"Rustam Wrestles with Puladvand", Folio from a Shahnama, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque water color and gold on paper
"Rustam Wrestles with Puladvand", Folio from a Shahnama
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
15th century
"Fifth Joust, The Death of Simurgh by the Hands of Isfandiyar," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings), Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, gold and metallic paint, and watercolor on paper
"Fifth Joust, The Death of Simurgh by the Hands of Isfandiyar," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
16th century
"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)
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
last quarter 15th century

Related Content

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.