AN ILLUSTRATED FOLIO FROM THE SHAHNAMA OF FERDOSI: RUSTAM SLAYS THE DEMON AKVAN

CENTRAL INDIA, DECCAN, PROBABLY GOLCONDA, LATE 16TH CENTURY

Details

AN ILLUSTRATED FOLIO FROM THE SHAHNAMA OF FERDOSI: RUSTAM SLAYS THE DEMON AKVAN
CENTRAL INDIA, DECCAN, PROBABLY GOLCONDA, LATE 16TH CENTURY
The hero Rustam wearing a pink tunic and a golden helmet with his sword and shield beside him, kneeling next to the bound and beheaded demon Akan, the background with an architectural ensemble of domes and minarets, Persian verses in nasta'liq script divided into four columns above and below with heading in red ink, set inside red and gold ruled margins
Opaque pigments on wasli heightened with gold
6 7/8 x 4¾ in. (17.4 x 12 cm.), painting
10 1/8 x 7¼ in. (25.7 x 18.4 cm.), folio

Lot Essay

It is interesting to note the beautiful example of Deccani Architecture represented in the background of this miniature. The Shahnama, though quintessentially a Persian epic, in terms of illustration has adapted to its Indian surroundings in many ways representing the spirit of the court of Golconda which was heavily influenced by Safavid Iran but however maintained a strong local hybrid character unique to the Deccan.

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