Title
Manuscript Painting (Shahnama of Firdausi) - The Meeting of Siyavush and Farangis
Year/Period
1530-1550 CE
Region
Iran, Shiraz
Object Type
illuminated manuscripts
Material
gold (metal), paper (fiber product), watercolor (paint)
Technique
calligraphy (process), watercolor painting (technique)
Dimension
Object size: H:47.5 x W:35.8 x D:2.3cm,
Image size: 21.3 x 11.6 cm
Image size: 21.3 x 11.6 cm
Accession No.
2009-01438
Collection of
NLB Type
Painting
This manuscript illustration is from the Shahnama, (the Book of Kings), a 11th century epic Persian poem by the poet Firdausi (935-1020). It depicts the scene in which the Persian prince Siyavush meets his future wife Farangis, the daughter of Afrasiyab, king of Turan. The manuscript is inscribed in 'nasta’liq' script with four horizontal columns at the top and bottom of the page. It also contains many small painted details such the carpeted and tiled pavilion with scrolling arabesques, animals and 'pari' (fairy) heads. Attendants and musicians carry wine and delicacies and play the harp and tambourine.
