"Kai Khusrau Appointing Gudarz-e Keshvad as Executor and Distributing His Properties and Possessions", folio from a Shahnama ("Book of Kings") by Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
Artist
Unknown
Date1494
Creation PlaceLahijan, Gilan, Iran
MediumOpaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper
Dimensionsoverall: 34.7 x 24.2 cm (13 11/16 x 9 1/2 in.)
image: 27.9 x 20.6 cm (11 x 8 1/8 in)
image: 27.9 x 20.6 cm (11 x 8 1/8 in)
ClassificationsNon-Western Miniatures
Credit LineJerome Wheelock Fund
Object number1935.23
DescriptionCalligraphy in nastaliq script with chapter heading in naskhLabel TextThe Shahnama or “Book of Kings” is an epic penned by the Persian poet Abu’l Qasim Firdawsi (940-1020) around 1010 AD. Consisting of approximately 50,000 couplets, it recounts both the mythical and historical past of the Persian empire, from the creation of the world, to the Arab conquest of Iran in the 7th century. The stories within the Shahnama were intended to act as a guide for future kings, so that they can learn from past in order to improve the present, and to better shape the future. Through the trials and tribulations of their predecessors – both real and fictitious – kings and princes were to learn from the Shahnama on how to conduct themselves ethically, morally, and with bravery and integrity. Illustrated versions of the Book of Kings began to appear in the early 14th century. This folio comes from the “Big Head” Shahnama, the name referring to the characteristic feature of the majority of its paintings: the large heads of its human figures. It is the only surviving manuscript of the Aq Qoyunlu period (1378–1501). Commissioned in 1494 by the Shi’i governor of Gilan, Sultan Mirza ‘Ali, from the Karkiya dynasty (r. 1478–1505), the “Big Head” Shahnama boasted more than 300 paintings. Many of these paintings illustrated subjects that had never been depicted before; for this reason, the “Big Head” Shahnama contains newly formulated compositions, which closely follow the text. This folio from the “Big Head” Shahnama depicts the legendary king, Kai Khusrau enthroned and surrounded by seven men. Having defeated all of his enemies, he sank into depression, and had a dream in which an angel told him to depart from this world. Despite the pleas of his courtiers, he dictated his last wishes and appointed Gudarz-e Keshvad, as executor to distribute his properties and possessions amongst his followers. He then left the court and vanished in the snow storm. Depicted here to the left of Kai Khusraw is most likely Gudarz-e Keshvad, while to the right of the ruler are the white-bearded Zal, the legendary albino king, and his son, Rustam, the great hero of the Shahnama who is distinguished by his red beard and tiger-skin surcoat. ProvenanceDemotte, New York NY
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