Tryst of Zal and Rudaba, from a SHAHNAMA of Firdausi
Artist/Culture
Persian
(Seljuk, 1000–1199)
Date1700-1799
Mediumopaque watercolor on paper
Dimensions15.1 x 14.6 cm (5 15/16 x 5 3/4 in.)
ClassificationsNon-Western Miniatures
Credit LineBequest of Alexander H. Bullock
Object number1962.182.2
Descriptioncalligraphy on obverse and reverse; Isfahan styleLabel TextZal is the son of Sam, an early king in the great Persian epic the Shahnama. Born white-haired, he is cast out by his father but raised by the Simorgh, a miraculous bird. Eventually rediscovered, Zal is reunited with a repentant Sam and appointed his heir. After his accession to the throne, Zal visitsMehrab, King of Kabul, and falls in love with his daughter, Rudaba, whom he surreptitiously visits in her palace. Despite the fathers' opposition, the lovers eventually marry. After a difficult pegnancy and a Caesarean birth at which Simorgh assists, Rudaba produces Rustam, the great hero of the shahnama. These two pages from an unidentified Shahnamadescribe Zal and Rudaba's tryst. Sequestered in her palace, she loosens her hair for him to climb, but he uses his lasso instead. Subsequently the meeting caused a furor and Zal writes letter to his father explaining the situation.ProvenanceAlexander H. Bullock, Worcester MA
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