"Manuchihr Welcomes Sam but Orders War upon Mihrab", Folio 80v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Art Historical Context

This exquisite folio, titled *"Manuchihr Welcomes Sam but Orders War upon Mihrab"* (Folio 80v), comes from the *Shahnama* (Book of Kings), the monumental epic poem by Abu'l Qasim Firdausi completed in the early 11th century. Composed of some 50,000 couplets, the *Shahnama* chronicles Iran's mythical and historical kings, blending legend with moral lessons on kingship, loyalty, and conflict. Here, the artist 'Abd al-'Aziz captures a pivotal moment in the reign of King Manuchihr, who receives the hero Sam warmly while decreeing war on the usurper Mihrab, embodying the epic's themes of justice and heroism amid royal intrigue. Created around 1525 during the Safavid dynasty, this painting exemplifies Persian miniature traditions in opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper. The intricate details—vibrant hues, delicate gold accents, and dynamic compositions crammed with figures in architectural settings—highlight the technical mastery of Tabriz's royal atelier. Measuring about 11 by 7 inches for the painting itself, it reflects the luxurious scale of Shah Tahmasp's commission, one of the finest *Shahnama* manuscripts ever produced. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art Department as a 1970 gift from Arthur A. Houghton Jr., this folio underscores the *Shahnama*'s enduring cultural role as a symbol of Persian identity, patronized by shahs to assert legitimacy and artistic supremacy. Visitors will appreciate its timeless drama and opulent beauty.

About the Artist

'Abd al-'Aziz|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi ( |Iranian) · 1500 |0935 –1550 |1020

active first half 16th century|Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus