Kai Khusrau crosses the sea in pursuit of Affrasiyab, page from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Dateca. 1600
MediumOpaque watercolors and gold on paper
Dimensions10 3/4 × 5 7/8 inches (27.3 × 15 cm)
CultureIran, Persian
PeriodSafavid period
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineAcquired through the George and Mary Rockwell Fund
Terms
- Paintings
- Opaque watercolor and gold
- Paper
- Persian
Object number2017.061
Label CopyIn this episode from a Shahnama (Book of Kings), the legendary king Kai Khusrau sails across the sea, after a fierce battle in Makran, to pursue his enemy Afrasiyab. A storm blows the ship off course into waters teeming with all sorts of fantastic creatures, including, as described in the text “lions fighting with oxen in the waves.”
The Persian empire’s great epic, the Shahnama recounts the history of Iran from the creation of the world to the Islamic conquest. It was completed in the early eleventh century by Abu’l Qasim Firdausi in the form of a long poem of 50,000 rhyming couplets.
Collections
Unidentified artist
14th century
Unidentified artist
16th century
Unidentified artist
1665–80
Late 18 century
late 18th century