Artwork Page for Rustam Takes Aim at Ashkabus, from a Shah-nama (Book of Kings)

Details / Information for Rustam Takes Aim at Ashkabus, from a Shah-nama (Book of Kings)

Rustam Takes Aim at Ashkabus, from a Shah-nama (Book of Kings)

c. 1425–50

Sultanate India, Deccan or Malwa

Medium
Gum tempera and ink on paper
Measurements
Folio: 31.8 x 25.6 cm (12 1/2 x 10 1/16 in.); Painting: 13.7 x 20.5 cm (5 3/8 x 8 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2020.204
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print
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Did You Know?

In the upside-down inscription in the top margin: The Heavens cried, “Excellent!” and the Moon said “Well Done!”

Description

The central warrior is Iran’s mythic hero Rustam, who approached an enemy army on foot, aiming to shoot the general off his mount. This page is from the oldest surviving illustrated Islamic manuscript made in India. The painting is by a local artist working for a Sultanate patron in India who admired Persian literature and emulated the erudite court culture of Iran.
A book page features columns of Persian text above and below a central painting depicting a battle against a vibrant red backdrop. In the center, the warrior Rustam wears blue armor and draws a bow toward Ashkabus on our right. Surrounding figures with medium skin tones ride horses, their colorful garments and armor detailed against the red. The tan paper shows worn edges and dark staining in the margins.

Rustam Takes Aim at Ashkabus, from a Shah-nama (Book of Kings)

c. 1425–50

Sultanate India, Deccan or Malwa

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