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"Rescue of Bizhan by Piran", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1610
Not on view
During the reign of Kai Khusrau of Iran, a youth named Bizhan fell in love with Manizha, a daughter of Kai Khusrau’s rival Afrasiyab of Turan. Upon learning that he was secretly living with Manizha, Afrasiyab sentenced Bizhan to death by hanging. The vizier Piran argued to spare Bizhan’s life, and instead, Bizhan was imprisoned in a pit sealed with a boulder.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Rescue of Bizhan by Piran", 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. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm)
    W. 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm)
    Painting:
    H. 5 3/16 in. (13.2 cm)
    W. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Wendy Findlay, 1983
  • Object Number: 1983.354.1
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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