"Siyavush Plays Polo before Afrasiyab", Folio 180v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Qasim ibn 'Ali|Mir Musavvir|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

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

The Turanian king Afrasiyab suggested a game of polo and Siyavush accepted, requesting, however, that he be allowed Iranian players for his team, as Turanians would not play their hardest against their own king. Afrasiyab agreed and was wonderfully impressed with the outstanding skill of Siyavush as a player and horseman. Like the other Iranians, Siyavush wears a tall baton, or taj, in his turban. He is the player on the black horse in the center of the field; Afrasiyab, mounted, watches from the horizon.

Artist

Qasim ibn 'Ali|Mir Musavvir|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