"Zal Questions Sam's Intentions Regarding the House of Mihrab", Folio 81v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
ca. 1525–30
Medium
Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
Dimensions
Painting: H. 11 in. (28 cm) W. 7 1/8 in. (18.2 cm) Entire Page: H. 18 9/16 in. (47.1 cm) W. 12 7/16 in. (31.6 cm)
Classification
Codices
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
Accession Number
1970.301.10
Tags
Art Historical Context
Step into the vibrant world of Persian epic storytelling with this exquisite folio from the *Shahnama* (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp folio 81v, created around 1525–30. Titled "Zal Questions Intentions Regarding the House Mihrab," it a tense moment between the legendary heroes Zal and Sam, drawn from the immortal verses of the poet Abu'l Qasimdausi. Composed around 1010 CE, the *Shahnama* chronicles mythical kings and heroes, blending history, legend, and moral tales. This page hails from one of the most opulent manuscripts ever produced under Safavid Shah Tahmasp I, a testament to Persia's g...
About the Artist
'Abd al-'Aziz|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi ( |Iranian) · 1500 |0935 –1550 |1020
active first half 16th century|Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus