"Zal Slays Khazarvan", Folio 104r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

'Abd al-Vahhab|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi|Mir Musavvir

ca. 1525–30 · Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper · Islamic Art

While Afrasiyab fights at Dahistan, a supplementary force is detailed to attack Zabul, home of Zal, of which Mihrab has been left in charge. Through bribery and persuasion, he keeps the Turanians at bay. An urgent message reaches Zal, who returns immediately with his army. He soon dispatches Khazarvan, one of the Turanian commanders, by smashing him on the head with his ox-head mace, then trampling him to death.

Artist

'Abd al-Vahhab|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi|Mir Musavvir

Date

ca. 1525–30

Medium

Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970