"Kai Khusrau Enthroned Holding a Sword", Folio from the First Small Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935–1020)
Object Name: Folio from an illustrated manuscript
Date: ca. 1300–30
Geography: Made in Iran or Iraq
Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Dimensions: Painting with Text Block: H. 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm) W. 5 1/8 in. (13 cm)
Page: H. 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm) W. 7 3/8 in. (18.7 cm)
Mat: H. 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm) W. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm)
Classification: Codices
Credit Line: Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1934
Accession Number: 34.24.5
Provenance: Heeramaneck Galleries, New York, until 1934; sold to MMA

This illustration from the Shahnama shows Kai Khusrau on his throne holding the sword with which he will execute Afrasiyab for the murder of Siyavush, bound and standing before him. Next to Afrasiyab is his brother Garsivaz, the actual murderer of Siyavush, and behind him is an executioner with his sword drawn. The elderly Kai Kavus, grandfather of Kai Khusrau, is seated beside his grandson. In spite of the grim scene, the style is delicate and courtly, as befits its origins in an important cultural center, possibly Baghdad which rapidly became a prominent Ilkhanid city after it was taken and partially destroyed by the new rulers in 1258.
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

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Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Title of Work: Shahnama (First Small)
Manuscript: 25.68.1, 34.24.1-6, 57.51.33, 69.74.1-9
Accession Number: 34.24.5
Chapter 13g - The Great War between Kay Khusrau and Afrasiyab
Scene: The execution of Afrasiyab
Dimensions (h x w): 61 x 119 mm
Format: Rectangular within borders
Reconstructed Folio: 150v
Gregorian Date: 1300 (circa)
School: Baghdad
Source: Shahnama Project