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"Zal Slays Khazarvan", Folio 104r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
Painting attributed to 'Abd al-Vahhab Iranian
Workshop director Mir Musavvir Iranian
ca. 1525–30
Not on view
While Afrasiyab fights at Dahistan, a supplementary force is detailed to attack Zabul, home of Zal, of which Mihrab has been left in charge. Through bribery and persuasion, he keeps the Turanians at bay. An urgent message reaches Zal, who returns immediately with his army. He soon dispatches Khazarvan, one of the Turanian commanders, by smashing him on the head with his ox-head mace, then trampling him to death.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Zal Slays Khazarvan", Folio 104r 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 'Abd al-Vahhab (Iranian)
  • 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 1/16 in. (28.1 cm)
    W. 7 3/16 in. (18.3 cm)
    Page:
    H. 18 9/16 in. (47.1 cm)
    W. 12 7/16 in. (31.6 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: 1970.301.15
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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