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"Buzurjmihr Masters the Game of Chess", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1330–40
Not on view
The king of Hind sent his ambassador to Nushirvan with a game of chess, challenging the Iranians to figure out how it was played. Only the young Buzurjmihr was able to do so within the time limit. Here, he is seen seated opposite the Indian ambassador (traditionally depicted in Persian paintings as a religious mendicant, regardless of rank or calling), demonstrating the game to Nushirvan, who is enthroned in a pose identical to that of the ruler in several of the miniatures in the most accomplished illustrated manuscript of the period, the great Ilkhanid Shahnama made in Tabriz.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Buzurjmihr Masters the Game of Chess", 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: Entire Page:
    H. 8 1/16 (20.5 cm)
    W. 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm)
    Painting:
    H. 3 1/8 in. (8 cm)
    W. 4 in. (10.2 cm)
    Mat:
    H. 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm)
    W. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm)
    Frame:
    H. 22 in. (55.9 cm)
    W. 17 in. (43.2 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Monroe C. Gutman, 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.290.39
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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