Folio from a Shahnama (Book of kings) by Firdawsi (died 1020); recto: text and illustration: Rustam confronts the Turanian, Pilsam; verso: text

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At A Glance

  • Period

    1341 (741 A.H.)
  • Geography

    Shiraz, Iran
  • Material

    Ink, opaque watercolor and gold on paper
  • Dimension

    H x W (image): 9.9 x 2.4 cm (3 7/8 x 15/16 in)
  • Accession Number

    F1942.11
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_F1942.11

Object Details

  • Description

    Detached folio from a dispersed copy of Shahnama (Book of kings) by Firdawsi; text: Persian in black naskh script; heading in red; recto: illustration and text: Rustam confronts the Turanian, Pilsam, 6 columns, 20 lines; verso: text: 6 columns. 30 lines; one of a group of 7 folios.
  • Provenance

    To 1919
    Unknown owner, Persia, to 1919 [1]
    From 1919 to 1942
    Dikran G. Kelekian, Inc., New York received from Persia in 1919 [2]
    From 1942
    Freer Gallery of Art, purchased from Dikran G. Kelekian, Inc., New York, in 1942 [3]
    Notes:
    [1] According to Curatorial Remark 3, G.D.G, 1942, in the object record: the manuscript "from which the two leaves (F1942.11, F1942.12) were taken was brought to Mr. Kelekian from Persia in 1919."
    [2] See note 1. Also, see Freer Gallery or Art Purchase List after 1920, Collections Management Office.
    [3] See note 2.
  • Collection

    Freer Gallery of Art Collection
  • Exhibition History

    Engaging the Senses (October 14, 2017 - ongoing)
    Arts of the Islamic World (May 3, 1998 to January 3, 2016)
    Near Eastern Art—Paintings, Metalwork (August 18, 1967 to February 10, 1972)
    Near Eastern Art (January 1, 1963 to August 18, 1967)
    Untitled Exhibition, Persian Manuscripts (May 5, 1933 to September 22, 1947)
  • Previous custodian or owner

    Dikran G. Kelekian, Inc.
  • Origin

    Shiraz, Iran
  • Credit Line

    Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
  • Type

    Manuscript
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

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