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"Kai Khusrau Wrestles with Shida", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1330–40
Not on view
A wrestling match was often the final phase of single combat encounters. In this case, the prince gambled that the reigning Shah of Iran would not risk the indignity of wrestling on foot. Kai Khusrau, however, thinking of the loss of Iranian warriors at the hands of Shida, felt compelled to dash him to the ground, ending his life. The two hind legs and tail of the horse at right were probably added by a later hand.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Kai Khusrau Wrestles with Shida", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
  • Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
  • Date: ca. 1330–40
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran, probably Isfahan
  • Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
  • Dimensions: Page:
    H. 8 in. (20.3 cm)
    W. 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm)
    Painting:
    H. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm)
    W. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Monroe C. Gutman, 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.290.16
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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