"The Fifth Joust of the Rooks: Ruhham Versus Barman", Folio 342v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Qasim ibn 'Ali|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

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

Folio 342r: The Fourth "Joust of the Rooks": Faruhil versus Zangula The fourth joust features Faruhil, an Iranian champion known for his skill with the bow, against the Turanian Zangula. After peppering Zangula with arrows, Faruhil shoots one that hits both Zangula and his horse, which falls forward, throwing its rider. Zangula falls on his head and dies instantly. Folio 342v: The Fifth "Joust of the Rooks": Ruhham versus Barman Now Ruhham, son of Gudarz, is matched against the Turanian Barman. At first the champions duck and dodge one another, but soon Ruhham comes from behind Barman, stabbing him in the rear with his lance and polishing him off with a fatal puncture of the liver.

Artist

Qasim ibn 'Ali|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

Date

1525–30

Medium

Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970