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"Buzurgmihr Masters the Game of Chess", Folio from the First Small Shahnama (Book of Kings)

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1300–30
Not on view
The text of the Shahnama has its own version of how the game of chess was introduced into Iran from India. In order to avoid paying tribute to the Sasanians, the Rajah of Hind (India) sent an envoy challenging the Iranian ruler to figure out how this game was played. The clever vizier Buzurjmihr secured the tribute for his king by solving the problem. The Iranians are dressed in Mongol costume, whereas the erudite vizier wears Arab-style tunic and turban. The Indian envoy, all alone among the Iranians as if underscoring his defeat at the game, is represented as a dark-skinned man wearing baggy clothes and a loose turban.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Buzurgmihr Masters the Game of Chess", Folio from the First Small Shahnama (Book of Kings)
  • Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
  • Date: ca. 1300–30
  • Geography: Made in Iran or Iraq
  • Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Painting: H. 1 15/16 in. (4.9 cm)
    W. 4 13/16 in. (12.2 cm)
    Page: H. 6 3/8 in. (16.2 cm)
    W. 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm)
    Mat: H. 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm)
    W. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1934
  • Object Number: 34.24.1
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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