"Afrasiyab on the Iranian Throne", Folio 105r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
Bashdan Qara|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
ca. 1525–30 · Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper · Islamic Art
Back in Dahistan the Turanians defeat the Iranians and take Shah Nauzar prisoner. With news of the Turanian rout in Zabul, Afrasiyab pillories Nauzar and beheads him. The Turanians march across Iran, and Afrasiyab sits on the throne. With this victory come the vast riches of the Iranian treasury, which servants parade before him. One year later famine descends on Iran and Turan, and the two enemies are forced to agree to an armistice.
- Artist
- Bashdan Qara|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
- 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
