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"Kai Khusrau Crosses the Sea", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1610
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 463
This painting shows the ship of Kai Khusrau, which, when pursuing his enemy Afrasiyab, was blown off course by a fearful storm to a place with all manner of strange sea creatures.


Judging from the exquisite detail and lavish use of gold, this leaf comes from a refined small-format Deccan Shahnama manuscript intended for a high ranking member of courtly society. The pastel palette and details like fantastic rock formations and small groupings of white buildings suggest it was made in Bijapur, India.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Kai Khusrau Crosses the Sea", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
  • Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
  • Date: ca. 1610
  • Geography: Attributed to India, Deccan, Bijapur
  • Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Page:
    H. 8 in. (20.3 cm)
    W. 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm)
    Painting:
    H. 5 3/8 in. (13.6 cm)
    W. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Wendy Findlay, 1982
  • Object Number: 1982.476.3
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
"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
The House of Bijapur, Kamal Muhammad, Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
The House of Bijapur
Painting by Kamal Muhammad
Painting by Chand Muhammad
ca. 1680
"A King Offers to Make Amends to a Bereaved Mother", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian, Main support: Ink, opaque watercolor, gold on paper<br/>Margins: Gold on dyed paper
"A King Offers to Make Amends to a Bereaved Mother", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Author Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
Painting attributed to Miskin
1597–98
"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
"Suhrab Slain by Rustam", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
"Suhrab Slain by Rustam", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
ca. 1610

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