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Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi

1074–79 AH/1663–69 CE
Not on view
In the late seventeenth century, the imprint of European painting appears in the style of certain Persian artists such as Muhammad Zaman. Here it can be seen in the use of perspective, the thick-foliaged trees, the shaded hills, and the bellpull in the pavilion. The terrace with its openwork railing and the river with its bank just beyond reflect the influence of painting of Mughal India, where the artist may have resided at one time.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
  • Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
  • Calligrapher: Bin Shams ad-Din Sheikh Muhammad
  • Artist: 'Ali Naqi ibn Shaikh 'Abbasi: (Iranian)
  • Artist: Aqa Nuyan
  • Artist: Ghulam Parmak (Iranian)
  • Artist: Fadl Ali
  • Artist: Muhammad Zaman (Iranian, active 1649–1700)
  • Artist: Mu'in Musavvir (Iranian, active 1630s–90s)
  • Date: 1074–79 AH/1663–69 CE
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran, probably Isfahan
  • Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: H. 18 1/8 in. (46 cm)
    W. 11 7/16 in. (29 cm)
    D. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Alexander Smith Cochran, 1913
  • Object Number: 13.228.17
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
Garden Gathering, Stonepaste; painted and polychrome glazed (cuerda seca technique)
Garden Gathering
1640–50
"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
Tile Panel, Stonepaste; polychrome glazed within black wax resist outlines (cuerda seca technique)
Tile Panel
first quarter 17th century
"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
Book of Prayers, Surat al-Yasin and Surat al-Fath, Ahmad Nairizi Iranian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper<br/>Binding: lacquer
Book of Prayers, Surat al-Yasin and Surat al-Fath
Calligrapher Ahmad Nairizi
Illuminator (attributed to) Muhammad Hadi
dated 1132 AH/1719–20 CE

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