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"Bahram Gur Advances by Stealth against the Khaqan," Folio 577v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
Painting attributed to Bashdan Qara Iranian
ca. 1530–35
Not on view
According to Bahram Gur’s spies, the Khaqan of Chin, Iran’s enemy, and his army were camped in a field near Merv. Bahram Gur and his soldiers marched across the breadth of Iran and caught the Khaqan’s army completely off guard. The Khaqan and many of his nobles were captured and the booty divided among the troops of Bahram Gur. Here, the Khaqan’s captors lead him to Bahram Gur, astride a richly caparisoned horse, while horns blow and the battle ensues in the background. Bashdan Qara, one of the younger generation of artists, produced or assisted on many of the Shahnama’s battle scenes.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Bahram Gur Advances by Stealth against the Khaqan," Folio 577v 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 Bashdan Qara (Iranian, active ca. 1525–1535)
  • Date: ca. 1530–35
  • Geography: Made in Iran, Tabriz
  • Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Painting:
    H. 9 7/16 in. (24 cm)
    W. 8 1/16 in. (20.5 cm)
    Entire Page:
    H. 18 5/8 in. (47.3 cm)
    W. 12 3/8 in. (31.4 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
  • Object Number: 1970.301.63
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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