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"Siyavush Plays Polo before Afrasiyab", Folio 180v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
Painting attributed to Qasim ibn 'Ali Iranian
Workshop director Mir Musavvir Iranian
ca. 1525–30
Not on view
The Turanian king Afrasiyab suggested a game of polo and Siyavush accepted, requesting, however, that he be allowed Iranian players for his team, as Turanians would not play their hardest against their own king. Afrasiyab agreed and was wonderfully impressed with the outstanding skill of Siyavush as a player and horseman. Like the other Iranians, Siyavush wears a tall baton, or taj, in his turban. He is the player on the black horse in the center of the field; Afrasiyab, mounted, watches from the horizon.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Siyavush Plays Polo before Afrasiyab", Folio 180v 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 Qasim ibn 'Ali (Iranian, active ca. 1525–60)
  • Workshop director: Mir Musavvir (Iranian, active ca. 1525–55)
  • Date: ca. 1525–30
  • Geography: Made in Iran, Tabriz
  • Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Painting:
    H. 11 3/16 in. (28.4 cm)
    W. 9 5/16 in. (23.7 cm)
    Entire Page:
    H. 18 5/8 in. (47.3 cm)
    W. 12 9/16 in. (31.9 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
  • Object Number: 1970.301.26
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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