"Rustam Lassos Rakhsh", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)

ca. 1450

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 463

In this highly Persianate Shahnama produced in India in the fifteenth century, we see the hero Rustam, identifiable by his tiger-skinned robe, as he first captures Rakhsh, the steed that would accompany him on his adventures. When Rustam lassoed Rakhsh, the horse’s mother charged like a furious elephant, but Rustam sent her off with a slap on the withers. Rustam mounted Rakhsh and sped like the wind. This was certainly the horse to carry him to his deeds of glory.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: "Rustam Lassos Rakhsh", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
Date: ca. 1450
Geography: Attributed to India
Medium: Ink and opaque watercolor on paper
Dimensions: Page:
H. 10 1/4 in. (26.1 cm)
W. 6 5/8 in. (16.8 cm)
Text and painting box:
H. 7 1/2 in. (19 cm)
W. 5 in. (12.7 cm)
Painting:
H. 5 3/16 in. (13.1 cm)
W. 4 11/16 in. (11.9 cm)
Classification: Codices
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1972
Object Number: 1972.285.2
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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