Shahname Collection

Kay Khusraw Welcomed by his Grandfather, Kay Kaus, King of Iran (Manuscript illumination from the ep Artist)
Kay Khusraw Welcomed by his Grandfather, Kay Kaus, King of Iran (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi). Found in the collection of The David Collection

Qaran slays Barman. (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi), ca 1523-1530. Creator: Anonymous
Qaran slays Barman. (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi), ca 1523-1530. Found in the collection of the The Sarikhani Collection

Demotte Shahnameh: Faramarz pursues the king of Kabul, ca 1330. Creator: Iranian master
Demotte Shahnameh: Faramarz pursues the king of Kabul, ca 1330. Found in the Collection of Musee du Louvre, Paris

The Battle between Khosrow II and Bahram Chobin, 1440. Artist: Iranian master
The Battle between Khosrow II and Bahram Chobin, 1440. From a private collection

The Queen of Sheba and King Solomon (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi. Artist: Iranian master)
The Queen of Sheba and King Solomon (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi. Found in the collection of The David Collection

Faridun in the Guise of a Dragon Tests His Sons (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by F Artist)
Faridun in the Guise of a Dragon Tests His Sons (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi). Private Collection

The Young Rustem Slaying the White Elephant, c. 1545 (gouache with gold paint on paper)
1196797 The Young Rustem Slaying the White Elephant, c.1545 (gouache with gold paint on paper) by Iranian school (16th century); 21x11 cm; Private Collection; Photo © Christies Images

Rustams Seventh Course: He Kills the White Div, c. 1500-1540s (w / c & gilt on paper)
1196767 Rustams Seventh Course: He Kills the White Div, c.1500-1540s (w/c & gilt on paper) by Persian School, (16th century); 47x31.7 cm; Private Collection; Photo © Christies Images

Rustem Slays the Dragon, c. 1500-1540s (gouache and gold paint on buff paper)
1196979 Rustem Slays the Dragon, c.1500-1540s (gouache and gold paint on buff paper) by Persian School, (16th century); 26.5x17; 47x31.7 cm; Private Collection; Photo eChristies Images; Persian

Mihrab Hears of Rudabehs Folly, c. 1500-1540s (w / c & gilt on paper)
1196766 Mihrab Hears of Rudabehs Folly, c.1500-1540s (w/c & gilt on paper) by Persian School, (16th century); 47x31.7 cm; Private Collection; Photo eChristies Images; Persian, out of copyright

Sindukht Comes to Sam Bearing Gifts, c. 1500-1540s (w / c & gilt on paper)
1196765 Sindukht Comes to Sam Bearing Gifts, c.1500-1540s (w/c & gilt on paper) by Persian School, (16th century); 47x31.7 cm; Private Collection; Photo eChristies Images; Persian, out of copyright

Kay Kaus, King of Persia, captured by the King of Hamavaran (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi), 1580. From a private collection

Combat scene from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi, 1780. Artist: Iranian master
Combat scene from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi, 1780. From a private collection

Faridun leading the Persians against the tyrant Zahhak (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi), 1650. From a private collection

Rostam before the Sepids Castle (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi), 16th century. Found in the Collection of Museum of Western and Oriental Art, Kiev

Rostam recovers the key to the stronghold of the White Demon (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi), 16th century

Bahman meets Zal. From the Shahnama (Book of Kings), 1335-1340. Found in the collection of Musee d art et d histoire, Genf

Garshasp on his throne. From the Shahnama (Book of Kings), 1335-1340. Found in the collection of Musee d art et d histoire, Genf

Rustam Kills the Dragon. (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi). Found in the collection of The David Collection

Esfandiyar and His Army (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi). Artist: Iranian master
Esfandiyar and His Army (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi). Found in the collection of The David Collection

The Slaying of Siyawush (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi). Artist: Iranian master
The Slaying of Siyawush (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi). Found in the collection of The David Collection

Shah Luhrasp?s Ascension to the Throne (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi). Found in the collection of The David Collection

The Court of Gayumart (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi. Artist: Iranian master)
The Court of Gayumart (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi. Found in the collection of The David Collection

Kay Khusraw Marches to Gudarzs Rescue. (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi)
Kay Khusraw Marches to Gudarzs Rescue. (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi. Found in the collection of The David Collection

The Iranians Seek Refuge on Mount Hamavan (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdows Artist)
The Iranians Seek Refuge on Mount Hamavan (Manuscript illumination from the epic Shahname by Ferdowsi. Found in the collection of The David Collection

A Princely Couple with Courtiers in a Garden. From the Shahnama (Book of Kings). Artist: Iranian master
A Princely Couple with Courtiers in a Garden. From the Shahnama (Book of Kings). Found in the collection of The David Collection

Shah Anushirvan Captures the Fortress of Saqila. Artist: Iranian master
Shah Anushirvan Captures the Fortress of Saqila. Found in the collection of The David Collection

The Battle Between Kay Khusraw and the King of Makran, 1494. Artist: Turkmen Master
The Battle Between Kay Khusraw and the King of Makran, 1494. Found in the collection of the The David Collection

The Feast of Sada. From the Shahnama (Book of Kings), c. 1525. Artist: Sultan Muhammad (1470s-1555)
The Feast of Sada. From the Shahnama (Book of Kings), c. 1525. Found in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Jamshid Writing on a Rock, ca 1586. Artist: Abd as-Samad (Khwaja Abdus Samad) (active Mid of 16th cen. )
Jamshid Writing on a Rock, ca 1586. Found in the collection of the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C

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"Shahname: A Glimpse into the Epic Tales of Iranian History and Mythology" Step into the enchanting world of Shahname, an epic masterpiece that weaves together the rich tapestry of Iranian history and mythology. This collection of captivating illustrations takes us on a journey through heroic battles, legendary kings, and mythical creatures. In one scene, we witness Kay Khusraw being warmly welcomed by his wise grandfather, Kay Kaus, who reigns as King of Iran. The intricate manuscript illumination by an Iranian master brings this heartfelt moment to life. The clash between Khosrow II and Bahram Chobin is depicted in another breathtaking artwork. Created by yet another talented Iranian master, this illustration captures the intensity and drama of their fierce battle. Moving on to tales beyond borders, we are transported to the meeting between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. The exquisite manuscript illumination from Ferdowsi's Shahname showcases an Iranian master's skill in capturing both regal splendor and cultural exchange. Amongst these grand narratives emerge individual heroes like Rustem - strong, valiant warriors whose exploits become legend. From slaying white elephants to battling dragons with gouache and gold paint on paper or buff paper canvases; each stroke reveals Rustem's indomitable spirit. Not all stories revolve around war; love also finds its place within Shahname's pages. Mihrab learns about Rudabeh's folly while Sindukht arrives bearing gifts for Sam in beautifully illustrated scenes that shimmer with watercolor washes and gilt accents. Delving deeper into history, we encounter Faramarz pursuing the king of Kabul in a mesmerizing painting dating back to 1330 - a testament to Persian mastery even then. And let us not forget Faridun leading Persians against Zahhak - an iconic moment captured forever through stunning manuscript illumination. These glimpses into Shahname offer just a taste of the epic tales that have shaped Iranian culture for centuries.