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"Rustam Lassos Rakhsh," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1330–40
Not on view
Rustam and his steed to be, the strawberry roan Rakhsh, are in the center of the miniature, framed by a tree on either side. Rustam is shown in his traditional tiger skin coat, but here is depicted with the beard and mustache reserved for mature men though he is still a young man. The chief of the royal stud, at the left, wears a typical Mongol hat and carries an unusual weapon called nachakh. The type of trees and treatment of the ground are of Chinese derivation.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Rustam Lassos Rakhsh," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
  • 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: Painting:
    H. 1 11/16 in. (4.3 cm)
    W. 4 3/16 in. (10.6 cm)
    Page:
    H. 8 in. (20.3 cm)
    W. 5 1/8 in. (13 cm)
    Mat:
    H. 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm)
    W. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Monroe C. Gutman, 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.290.6
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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"The Murder of Iraj," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, watercolor, and gold on paper
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"Rustam Kills Isfandiyar with a Double Pointed Arrow", Folio from a Shahnama
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"Rustam Wrestles with Puladvand", Folio from a Shahnama, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque water color and gold on paper
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Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
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"Zahhak Brought as a Prisoner before Faridun", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings), Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
"Zahhak Brought as a Prisoner before Faridun", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
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