Folio page with four columns of text, arranged above and below a large illustration. It shows two mounted warriors in combat, with one in purple shooting an arrow at a warrior in red. Above, six soldiers look on from behind rocks. Three more fight in the bottom of the painting.
AKM450, Bahram Chubina in Combat with Saveh, Front

© The Aga Khan Museum

Manuscript page with 30 lines of cramped calligraphy, arranged in four columns. Each column is separated from the others with thin brown lines. Two phrases in red ink are also outlined and stretch across the two middle columns. The text is enclosed by a border of thin, multi-coloured lines.
AKM450, Bahram Chubina in Combat with Saveh, Back

© The Aga Khan Museum

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On Display
Bahram Chubina in Combat with Saveh
Folio from a manuscript of the Shahnameh by Abu’l Kasim Firdausi (d. 1010)
  • Accession Number:AKM540
  • Creator:signed Mu’in [Musavvir]
  • Place:Iran, Isfahan
  • Dimensions:36.4 x 22.6 cm
  • Date:ca.1666–1667
  • Materials and Technique:opaque watercolour, gold, and ink on paper

  • When King Hormazd of Iran received a threat from Saveh, the Turkish ruler of Herat, he was greatly concerned. Through a prophecy, Hormazd was assured that Saveh and his army would be overwhelmed by a mighty hero named Bahram Chubina. On the day of the actual combat, Bahram and his small group of warriors defeated Saveh’s massive army. This painting shows the final moments of the battle as Saveh is shot by Bahram.

Note: This online resource is reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis. We are committed to improving this information and will revise and update knowledge about this object as it becomes available.

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