Siyavush Plays Polo: Folio from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp. About 1525–30. Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935–1020). Artist: Attributed to Qasim ibn 'Ali (active 1525–60). Iran, Tabriz
After reading this chapter, you will be able to:
- identify some of the key themes and events presented in the Persian national epic, the Shahnama (Book of Kings)
- make connections between figures and events in the story and the illustrated pages of the manuscript produced for Shah Tahmasp
- understand the process and materials used to create a royal manuscript of this caliber