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"Rustam Lassos the Khaqan of Chin, Pulling him from his White Elephant", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1330–40
Not on view
The Khaqan (khan) of Chin (China) become an ally of the Turanians and faced the Iranians with a vast army, including many sumptuously adorned war elephants. Rustam, despite the enormous odds, was determined to capture the khan and take the booty to the Iranian shah, Kai Khusrau. Rustam charged through a barrage of missiles unscathed, flung his lasso, pulled the khan from his white elephant, bound him as a prisoner, and duly sent the loot to the shah. Although the confrontation has been reduced to the two principals and their attendant warriors, the presentation is still dramatic, with Rustam tightening the taut rope and the khan vainly trying to resist.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Rustam Lassos the Khaqan of Chin, Pulling him from his White Elephant", 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 1/4 in. (13.3 cm)
    Painting:
    H. 1 7/16 in. (3.7 cm)
    W. 4 3/16 in. (10.6 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Monroe C. Gutman, 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.290.13
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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