Illustrated folio page with four columns of text, set on a gold floral background with blue dividers. A large painting depicts a man turning a roasting spit and kicking away a large rock, pushed down by a man in the upper right corner. Various mounted riders watch from the left.
AKM412, Rustam Kicks Back the Rock Hurled on Him by Bahman, Front

© The Aga Khan Museum

Manuscript page with 25 lines of cramped calligraphy, arranged in four columns. Each column is separated from the others by wide golden bands with small floral decorations. The text is enclosed by a border of thin, multi-coloured lines.
AKM412, Rustam Kicks Back the Rock Hurled on Him by Bahman, Back

© The Aga Khan Museum

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Rustam Kicks Back the Rock Hurled on Him by Bahman
Folio from a manuscript of the Shahnameh (Book of Kings) by Abu’l Qasim Firdausi (d. 1010)
  • Accession Number:AKM412
  • Place:Iran, Shiraz
  • Dimensions:24.4 x 17.1 cm
  • Date:ca. 1560–1580
  • Materials and Technique:opaque watercolour, gold, and ink on paper

  • Bahman, Isfandiyar’s son, was sent to bring the all-powerful hero, Rustam, to his father in chains. Bahman sees Rustam from a mountaintop as the hero is roasting an onager. He decides to kill Rustam at once. He pries loose a boulder and rolls it down toward Rustam. Zavara, Rustam’s brother, hears the noise and warns Rustam. Rather than move, the mighty hero calmly stretches out his leg and dodges the giant rock.

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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