Persian Verses: The Fortieth Year of King Kisra Nushirwan's Reign and the Story of Buzurgmihr (recto) from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi (940–1019 or 1025)

1330–35

Iran, Tabriz, Ilkhanid period

(1256-1353)

Sheet: 59.3 x 40.2 cm (23 3/8 x 15 13/16 in.); Text area: 40.6 x 29.2 cm (16 x 11 1/2 in.)

John L. Severance Fund 1959.330.a

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Did You Know?

The Mongol rulers of Iran placed high value on illustrated manuscripts, especially histories, and established royal library-workshops.

Description

Mongol interest in the production of illustrated manuscripts eventually focused on Persian epic poetry. The Shahnama, a compilation of the epics and tales of Iran's legendary heroes, was a natural choice; the book included many subjects that suited Mongol taste, such as banquets, battles, hunting, and magical or fantastic events.

The painting on the other side of this page is of the Sasanian ruler of Iran, Khusraw I Anushirwan (531–579), descendant of Bahram Gur. Above the king's head an inscription reads, "Picture of Nushirwan the Just." The figure in the elaborate turban to the left of the king is probably the young Minister Buzurgmihr, famous for his wisdom and virtue. To celebrate the explanation of a troublesome dream by Buzurgmihr, Nushirwan held a series of seven banquets. The text around this painting describes the fifth banquet.