"Zal Expounds the Mysteries of the Magi", Folio 87v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
Medium
Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
Dimensions
Painting: H. 10 15/16 in. (27.9 cm) W. 7 1/8 in. (18.1 cm) Page: H. 18 1/2 in. (47 cm) W. 12 9/16 in. (31.9 cm) Mat: H. 22 in. (55.9 cm) W. 16 in. (40.6 cm) Frame: H. 23 in. (58.4 cm) W. 17 in. (43.2 cm)
Classification
Codices
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
Accession Number
1970.301.14
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
Art Historical Context
Behold the exquisite Folio 87v from the *Shahnama (Book of Kings)* of Tahmasp, titledZal Expounds the Mysteries of the."* Created around 1525 by the artist Qadimi, illumination captures a pivotal moment from the epic Persian poem by Abu'l Qasim Firdausi. white-haired hero Zal shares ancient wisdom with the Magi, surrounded by figures in vibrant robes, evoking the timeless themes of heroism, destiny, and mysticism central to Iran's national epic. Produced in the Safavid court of Tabriz under Shah Tahmasp (r. 1524–76), this page exemplifies the zenith of Persian miniature painting. Masterfully executed in opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper, the technique features fine ink outlines, rich gouache colors, and shimmering metallic highlights that bring the scene to life. At 10 15/16 x 7 1/8 inches, it forms part of one of history's most lavish manuscripts, involving dozens of artists over a decade. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art Department as a gift from Arthur A. Houghton Jr. in 1970, this codex folio highlights Persianate culture's fusion of poetry, painting, and spirituality. It invites visitors to ponder the enduring legacy of the *Shahnama*, a cornerstone of world literature that shaped Islamic art for centuries.
About the Artist
Qadimi|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi|'Abd al-'Aziz (Iranian|Iranian) · 1500 |0935 –1590 |1020
Iranian, active ca. 1525–1565|Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus