Folio from a Shahnama (Book of kings) by Firdawsi (d.1020); recto: Human a warrior of Turan approaches the Iranian camp; verso: text, Human challenges the Iranian chieftains

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At A Glance

  • Period

    early 15th century
  • Geography

    Iran
  • Material

    Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper
  • Dimension

    H x W: 15.3 x 15.5 cm (6 x 6 1/8 in)
  • Accession Number

    F1930.48
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_F1930.48

Object Details

  • Description

    Detached folio from a dispersed copy of the Shahnama (Book of kings) by Firdawsi; text: Persian in black nasta'liq script; recto: illustration and text: Human a warrior of Turan approaches the Iranian camp; verso: text: Human challenges the Iranian chieftains, 4 columns, 25 lines; one of a group of 3 folios.
    Border: The text and the painting are set in gold and black rulings on cream-colored paper.
  • Provenance

    To 1930
    Hagop Kevorkian (1872-1962), New York to 1930 [1]
    From 1930
    Freer Gallery of Art, purchased from Hagop Kevorkian, New York in 1930 [2]
    Notes:
    [1] Object file, undated folder sheet note. See also Freer Gallery of Art Purchase List file, Collections Management Office.
    [2] See note 1.
  • Collection

    Freer Gallery of Art Collection
  • Exhibition History

    Untitled Exhibition, Islamic Manuscripts (May 1, 1945 to September 25, 1947)
    Untitled Exhibition, South Asian and Persian Art (March 24, 1930 to March 14, 1931)
    Untitled Exhibition, Shahnama and Chinese Art (March 24, 1930 to May 5, 1933)
  • Previous custodian or owner

    Hagop Kevorkian (1872-1962)
  • Origin

    Iran
  • Credit Line

    Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
  • Type

    Manuscript
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

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