BY SIYAVUSH, SAFAVID QAZVIN, 1576 OR 1577

In this folio, our artist Siyavush depicts Gushtasp entering the page, in a dramatic manner through the border, riding on an elegant and powerful black horse. The red landscape with striking rock formations creates an eye-catching backdrop for the occasion which is about to unfold. Having astounded everyone with his skill in polo, Gushtasp turns to archery. This event led to the return of Gushtasp and Kitayun, the daughter of Caesar, to Caesar’s favour. Our hero and his companions and onlookers are depicted in incredible detail which creates a window in to the fashion, textile design and indeed the arms and armour in use during Shah Ismail II’s reign (See Warner and Warner, Shahnama Of Firdausi, vol. IV, 1909, pp. 349-50).