"Firdausi's Parable of the Ship of Shi'ism", Folio 18v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.1

"The Feast of Sada", Folio 22v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.2

"Tahmuras Defeats the Divs", Folio 23v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.3

"Zahhak is Told His Fate", Folio 29v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1524Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.4

"Faridun Embraces Manuchihr", Folio 59v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.5

"Rudaba's Maids Return to the Palace", Folio 71v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.6

"Rudaba Makes a Ladder of Her Tresses", Folio 72v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.7

"Zal Consults the Magi", Folio 73v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.8

"Manuchihr Welcomes Sam but Orders War upon Mihrab", Folio 80v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.9

"Zal Questions Sam's Intentions Regarding the House of Mihrab", Folio 81v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.10

"Mihrab Vents His Anger Upon Sindukht", Folio 83v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.11

"Sam Seals His Pact with Sindukht", Folio 85v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.12

"The Shah's Wise Men Approve of Zal's Marriage", Folio 86v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.13

"Zal Expounds the Mysteries of the Magi", Folio 87v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.14

"Zal Slays Khazarvan", Folio 104r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.15

"Afrasiyab on the Iranian Throne", Folio 105r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.16

"Rustam's Fourth Course, He Cleaves a Witch", Folio 120v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.17

"Kai Kavus and Rustam Embrace", Folio 123r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.18

"Rustam Brings the Div King to Kai Kavus for Execution", Folio 127v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.19

"The Marriage of Sudaba and Kai Kavus", Folio 130r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.20

"Kai Kavus Ascends to the Sky", Folio 134r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.21

"Rustam Pained Before Kai Kavus", Folio 146r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.22

"Siyavush Stands Accused by Sudaba before Kai Kavus", Folio 163v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.23

"Sudaba's Second Accusation Against Siyavush is Judged", Folio 164v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.24

"Kai Kavus Upbraids Siyavush in a Letter", Folio 174r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.25

"Siyavush Plays Polo before Afrasiyab", Folio 180v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.26

"The Wedding of Siyavush and Farangis", Folio 185v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.28

"Siyavush Recounts His Nightmare to Farangis", Folio 195r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.29

"Rustam Blames Kai Kavus for the Death of Siyavush", Folio 202v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.30

"Surkha Captured by Faramarz is Condemned by Rustam", Folio 204v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.31

"Kai Khusrau is Discovered by Giv", Folio 210v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.32

"Kai Khusrau Rides Bihzad for the First Time", Folio 212r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.33

"Kai Khusrau's War Prizes Are Pledged", Folio 225v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.34

"The Iranians Mourn Farud and Jarira", Folio 236r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.35

"The Besotted Iranian Camp Attacked by Night", Folio 241r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.36

"The Battle of Pashan Begins", Folio 243v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.37

"Giv Avenges Bahram by Slaying Tazhav", Folio 248r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.39

"The Combat of Rustam and Ashkabus", Folio 268v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.40

"Shangul Stirs the Khaqan's Council to War on Rustam", Folio 276v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.41

"Shangul Stirs the Khaqan's Council to War on Rustam", Folio 276v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.41

"Bizhan Receives an Invitation through Manizha's Nurse", Folio 300v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.42

"The Fifth Joust of the Rooks: Ruhham Versus Barman", Folio 342v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: 1525-30Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.43

"The Sixth Joust of the Rooks: Bizhan Versus Ruyyin", Folio 343r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.44

"The Tenth Joust of the Rooks: Barta versus Kuhram," Folio 345r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.45

"The Final Joust of the Rooks: Gudarz Versus Piran", Folio 346r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.46

"Gustaham Slays Lahhak and Farshidvard", Folio 349v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.47

"The Night Battle of Kai Khusrau and Afrasiyab", Folio 367v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.48

"Kai Khusrau Defeats the Army of Makran", Folio 376v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.49

"Gushtasp Proves His Archery before Caesar," Folio 404r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.50

"Isfandiyar's Third Course: He Slays a Dragon", Folio 434v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.51

"Isfandiyar's Fourth Course: He Slays a Sorceress", Folio 435v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.52

"Isfandiyar's Sixth Course: He Comes Through the Snow", Folio 438r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.53

"Rustam and Isfandiyar Begin Their Combat", Folio 461v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.54

"Rustam Slays Isfandiyar", Folio 466r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.55

"Rustam Avenges His Own Impending Death", Folio 472r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.56

"Faramarz Encircled While Battling Bahman", Folio 475r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.57

"Hurmuzd I's Last Testament to Prince Bahram I", Folio 535r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.58

"The Coronation of the Infant Shapur II", Folio 538r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1525-30
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.59

"Caesar Captive Before Shapur II", Folio 543r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: 1530-35Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.60

"Bahrum Gur Before His Father, Yazdigird I", Folio 551v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.61

"Bahram Gur Pins the Coupling Onagers", Folio 568r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.62

"Bahram Gur Advances by Stealth against the Khaqan," Folio 577v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.63

"The Khaqan Captive Before Bahram Gur", Folio 578r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.64

"Bahram Gur Slays the Rhino-Wolf", Folio 586r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.65

"Yazdigird II Accedes to the Throne", Folio 592r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.66

"Sufarai's Victory over the Haital", Folio 595v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.67

"Nushirvan Promulgates His Reforms", Folio 602v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.68

"Buzurjmihr Appears at Nushirvan's Fifth Assembly", Folio 622r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.69

"Nushirvan Greets the Khaqan's Daughter", Folio 633v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.70

"Buzurjmihr Masters the Hindu Game of Chess", Folio 639v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.71

"Khusrau Parviz's Charge against Bahram Chubina", Folio 707v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.72

"The Angel Surush Rescues Khusrau Parviz from a Cul-de-sac", Folio 708v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.73

"Bahram Chubina Slays the Lion-Ape", Folio 715v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.74

"The Assassination of Khusrau Parviz", Folio 742v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1535
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.75

"The Coup against Usurper Shah", Folio 745v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020)
Date: ca. 1530-35
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold
Accession Number: 1970.301.76

Although the story is of earlier periods, the figures wear early 16th century Persian costume.

Composed in the tenth century by the poet Firdowsi, the Shah-nameh or Book of Kings is Iran's central literary work, a historical epic peopled with monarchs—some of inspiring goodness, others of unmatched wickedness—handsome paladins, beautiful maidens, malevolent witches, and treacherous demons. This manuscript of the Shah-nameh is the most sumptuous one ever produced. Containing scores of paintings where other sixteenth-century Shah-nameh manuscripts contain a dozen, the Houghton Shah-nameh (identified by the name of a previous owner, Arthur A. Houghton, Jr.) is thought to have been commissioned about 1522 by Shah Isma'il, the founder of the Safavid dynasty, as a present for his son, Prince Tahmasp. Court artists and craftsmen continued their work on the 759 folios for the better part of two decades; as a consequence, the book offers a fascinating mixture of artistic styles.