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"Rudaba Makes a Ladder of Her Tresses", Folio 72v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
Painting attributed to Qadimi Iranian
ca. 1525
Not on view
One of Rudaba's maids sneaks Zal through the palace to the princess's pavilion. Although Rudaba lowers her tresses for him to scale the wall, Zal tosses up his lasso to catch the crenellation at the roof, then climbs up to meet his beloved.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Rudaba Makes a Ladder of Her Tresses", Folio 72v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
  • Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
  • Artist: Painting attributed to Qadimi (Iranian, active ca. 1525–1565)
  • Date: ca. 1525
  • Geography: Made in Iran, Tabriz
  • Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Painting:
    H. 11 in. (27.9 cm)
    W. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm)
    Page:
    H. 18 1/2 in. (47 cm)
    W. 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm)
    Mat:
    H. 22 in. (55.9 cm)
    W. 16 in. (40.6 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
  • Object Number: 1970.301.7
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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