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"The Combat of Rustam and Puladvand", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1330–40
Not on view
Generally, Shahnama illustrations of the single combat between the Iranian hero Rustam and the numerous div-like allies of the Turanians, who were prodigiously strong, show the final wrestling match when the victor is about to dash his enemy to the ground. Here, instead, the earlier episode of the horse fight between the two characters is depicted. The most unusual aspect of the present miniature is the strange flail-like weapon, presumably of Central Asian origin, dominating the center of the composition.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "The Combat of Rustam and Puladvand", 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 1/16 in. (20.5 cm)
    W. 5 5/16 in. (13.5 cm)
    Painting:
    H. 1 5/8 in. (4.2 cm)
    W. 4 1/8 in. (10.4 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Monroe C. Gutman, 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.290.15
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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"Isfandiyar's Third Course: He Slays a Dragon", Folio 434v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
"Isfandiyar's Third Course: He Slays a Dragon", Folio 434v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
Painting attributed to Qasim ibn 'Ali
ca. 1530
"Rustam Captures the Shah of Sham and the Shah of Berber", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
"Rustam Captures the Shah of Sham and the Shah of Berber", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
ca. 1330–40
"The Feast of Sada", Folio 22v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
"The Feast of Sada", Folio 22v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
Painting attributed to Sultan Muhammad
ca. 1525
"Caesar Gives his Daughter Katayun to Gushtasp", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
"Caesar Gives his Daughter Katayun to Gushtasp", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
ca. 1330–40
"The Funeral of Isfandiyar," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings), Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"The Funeral of Isfandiyar," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
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