Khusrau riding on Shabdiz, his beautiful horse, while hunting
from Khusrau and Shirin, A.H. 904, (1498–99AD)

A larger image of Khusrau riding on Shabdiz, his beautiful horse, while hunting, from 'Khusrau and Shirin', A.H. 904, (1498–99AD), Ottoman

Folio from Khusrau and Shirin
Written by Hatifi
Artist: Calligraphy and paintings by Suzi
Object Name: Illustrated manuscript
Date: dated A.H. 904/A.D. 1498–99
Geography: Turkey, probably Istanbul or Amasya
Culture: Islamic
Medium: Main support: ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper; binding: leather
Dimensions: Entire sheet: 9 7/16 x 6 7/16 inches (24 x 16.4 cm.)
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Accession Number: 69.27

This manuscript is a copy of the tale of Khusrau and Shirin composed by the Persian poet Hatifi, and shows the importance of Persian literature in the Ottoman world. It contains seven paintings, executed in a distinctive style, related to western Iranian tradition from the Aq Quyunlu, but also borrowing elements from European sources. The page shown depicts Khusrau riding on Shabdiz, his beautiful horse, while hunting. The calligraphy, illumination, gilding, and painting were completed by a single artist calling himself Suzi ("the burning one").