"Bazur, the Magician, Raises up Darkness and a Storm", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
ca. 1430–40 · Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper · Islamic Art
During a battle between the Iranians and the Turanians, a sorcerer named Bazur (shown here in a blue cape) climbs to the top of a mountain and creates a blizzard that engulfs the Iranian forces. In the ensuing confusion, the Turanians attack, causing heavy casualties. This painting comes from a copy of the highly Persianate Shahnama that was probably made in northern India. The paintings from this book were later cut out and placed in an album with brightly colored borders.
- 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
