Kay Khosrow Crosses the Sea of Zareh on His Way to China, a scene from the Shahnama of Firdausi
Safavid dynasty (1501–1722), about 1550
Medium
Watercolor and ink on paper
Dimensions
Page: 34.2 × 23.4 cm, Painting: 11.5 × 15.9 cm (Page: 13 1/2 × 9 1/4 in., Painting: 4 9/16 × 6 1/4 in.)
Classification
miniature painting
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
93923
Art Historical Context
Behold *Kay Khosrow Crosses the Sea of Zh on His Way to*, a captivating miniature painting from the Safavid dynasty (1501–1722), around 1550. scene illustrates a dramatic episode from Firdausi's epic *Shahnama* (Book of Kings), the monumental Persian poem completed in the early 11th century. It depicts the heroic king Kay Khosrow on his perilous journey across the mythical Sea of Zareh toward China, symbolizing adventure, destiny, and the triumph of Persian legend over vast, unknown realms. Rendered in watercolor and ink on paper, this work exemplifies the Safavid mastery of Persian miniature...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...