Illustrated folio page showing six central figures in a garden. Above-left, a man tries to climb palace walls while three mounted riders watch. Below the garden, there are pitched tents and men caring for livestock. It is enclosed by a red-and-green decorated border, with gold floral motifs filling the margins.
2016.4.1, Zal by Rudabeh’s Palace

© The Aga Khan Museum

Plain beige rectangular page. There are pencil inscriptions reading “MMIN22” and “MR 226” in the bottom right corner. At the top are three rectangular pieces of tape.
2016.4.1, Zal by Rudabeh’s Palace, Back

© The Aga Khan Museum

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Zal by Rudabeh’s Palace
Folio from a manuscript of Shahnameh (Book of Kings) by Firdausi (d. 1020)
  • Accession Number:2016.4.1
  • Place:India
  • Dimensions:34.5 x 23.1 cm
  • Date:ca. 1610
  • Materials and Technique:opaque watercolour, ink, and gold on paper

  • This painting contains two episodes of the story of Zal, the Iranian Prince, and Rudabeh, the Turanian princess (see also AKM442). In the foreground, Rudabeh’s maidens are shown picking flowers in a garden near Zal’s camp as they attempt to catch Zal’s attention and encourage him to visit Rudabeh. In another episode, depicted at the far back of the painting, Zal climbs the walls of Rudabeh’s palace. Zal, an albino, is recognizable by his white eyebrows and fair eyes.

Purchased with funds provided by Khimji Foundation and Bashir Nathoo and family.

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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