"Battle Between Iranians and Turanians", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Medium
Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Classification
Codices
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1952
Accession Number
52.20.9b
Tags
Art Historical Context
This vibrant folio from a 16th-century Shahnama (Book of Kings) captures a dramatic clash between Iranian and Turanian warriors, central theme in the Persian epic poem by Ferdowsi. Created between 1562 and 1583 during the Safavid era, the manuscript reflects the enduring cultural importance of this literary masterpiece, which chronicles Iran’s mythical and historical past. The scene teems with mounted soldiers and dynamic combat, highlighting the epic’s themes of heroism, rivalry, and national identity. Executed in ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper by artists Muhammad al-Qivam al-Shir...
About the Artist
Muhammad al-Qivam al-Shirazi|Muhammad ibn Taj al-Din Haidar Muzahhib Shirazi (Iranian|Iranian) · 1535 |1535 –1585 |1605
Iranian, active ca. 1560s|Iranian, active 1560s–80s