Learn/ Educators/ Curriculum Resources/ Art of the Islamic World/ Unit Five: Courtly Splendor in the Islamic World/ Chapter Three: The Making of A Persian Manuscript—The Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
Jump to content tickets Member | Make a donation
Search

Chapter Three: The Making of A Persian Manuscript—The Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Siyavush Plays Polo: Folio from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

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
Previous Section Next Section

Introduction

This chapter explores one of the masterpieces of the Metropolitan Museum's collection, the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp (reigned 1524–76).

The Shahnama

The poet Abu'l Qasim Firdausi did not invent the stories and legends that make up the Shahnama, but undertook the ambitious project of collecting them and setting them to verse.

Themes of the Shahnama

Although the majority of the stories in the Shahnama involve battles and struggles between the forces of good and evil, other themes include love, humor, and the supernatural.

The Shahnama of Shah Tahmasp

Around 1524, the Safavid ruler Shah Tahmasp (reigned 1524–76) commissioned an illustrated manuscript of the Shahnama.

Making a Royal Manuscript

In the royal Safavid workshop, the making of a manuscript—especially one as ambitious as this—drew upon the resources of the state to employ artists and supply materials such as paper, ink, gold leaf, pigments, and leather bindings.

Featured Works of Art: Images 27–29

Read in-depth information about featured works of art related to this unit.

Suggested Readings and Resources

A list of resources for additional reading, with grade levels indicated

Sources

A list of sources used to compile the information in this unit