Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi

Art Historical Context

The *Shahnama (Book of Kings)* of Firda is a magnificent 17th-century illuminated manuscript from Safavid Iran, created between 1663 and 1669 CE. This codex brings to life the epic poem by Abu'l Qasim Firdausi, a 10th-11th-century masterpiece chronicling Iran's mythical and historical kings through over 50,000 verses. Produced during the height of Safavid artistic patronage, it exemplifies the Persian miniature tradition, where storytelling fused poetry, history, and lavish illustration to celebrate national identity. Crafted by a team of renowned artists—including Bin Shams ad-Din Sheikh Muhammad, 'Ali Naqi ibn Shaikh 'Abbasi, Mu'in Musavvir, and others—this volume measures 18½ by 11⅛ inches and features opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper. The opulent use of metallic pigments created shimmering scenes, likely depicting dynamic episodes with men and fountains, evoking royal courts and heroic tales. Such collaborative manuscripts were treasures for elite libraries, blending calligraphy, painting, and illumination in a harmonious whole. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art Department (gift of Alexander Smith Cochran, 1913), this *Shahnama* highlights the cultural zenith of Persian book arts, preserving Firdausi's enduring legacy for generations. Visitors will appreciate its intricate beauty as a window into Safavid splendor.

About the Artist

Bin Shams ad-Din Sheikh Muhammad|'Ali Naqi ibn Shaikh 'Abbasi:|Aqa Nuyan|Ghulam Parmak|Fadl Ali|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi|Muhammad Zaman|Mu'in Musavvir ( |Iranian| |Iranian| |Iranian|Iranian|Iranian) · | | | | |0935 |1624 |1605 – | | | | |1020 |1725 |1722

|Iranian| |Iranian| |Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus|Iranian, active 1649–1700|Iranian, active 1630s–90s