"Kai Khusrau, Gudarz and Giv Capturing the Demon's Fortress, Bahman (?)", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

ca. 1430–40 · Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper · Islamic Art

Kai Kavus, the king of Iran, promised that whoever could capture the impregnable fortress of Bahman in Azerbaijan would share his throne. Tus and Fariburz made the first attempt but were driven back by the terrible heat. Then Kai Khusrau sent a message to those guarding the fortress, saying that he came in God’s name and if the fortress was inhabited by divs (devils), God would vanquish it. At that moment, there was a thunderous crack in the ramparts and its walls disintegrated.

Artist

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

Date

ca. 1430–40

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

The Grinnell Collection, Bequest of William Milne Grinnell, 1920