"Surkha Captured by Faramarz is Condemned by Rustam", Folio 204v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
Qasim ibn 'Ali|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi|Mir Musavvir
ca. 1525–30 · Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper · Islamic Art
The hero Rustam, shown here on horseback wearing a leopard-skin hat, launched war to avenge the death of Siyavush, whom the Turanian king Afrasiyab had executed. Rustam was determined to cause Afrasiyab the same pain by having his son, Surkha, captured and killed. The Chinese‑style kite clouds, winding tree, and doll‑like rendition of the figures’ faces reflect Qasim ibn 'Ali’s grounding in the Turkmen painting tradition.
- Artist
- Qasim ibn 'Ali|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
