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Zal Climbing to Rudaba, page from a copy of the Shahnama of Firdausi

A work made of opaque watercolor and gold on paper.
CC0 Public Domain Designation

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  • A work made of opaque watercolor and gold on paper.

Date:

Safavid dynasty (1501–1722), dated 1580/90

Artist:

Iran
Shiraz

About this artwork

Among the most beautiful examples of Islamic art are the illuminated manuscripts from Persia that portray legendary tales of heroism, love, and adventure. Zal Courting Rudabahis a page from a 16th-century version of the Book of Kings,the national epic of Persia. Below the lovers seen on the balcony are attendants, animals, architecture, flowering plants, and calligraphy (revered as an art form throughout the Islamic world), all carefully integrated into a rich, overall pattern. The painting’s jewel-like quality is enhanced by its brilliant colors, including gold and blue, formed from the precious stone lapis lazuli.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of Asia

Culture

Islamic

Title

Zal Climbing to Rudaba, page from a copy of the Shahnama of Firdausi

Place

Shiraz (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1575–1590

Medium

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Dimensions

26 × 17 cm (10 1/4 × 6 3/4 in.)

Credit Line

Ann McNear Collection

Reference Number

1983.627

IIIF Manifest  The International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) represents a set of open standards that enables rich access to digital media from libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions around the world.

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https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/120662/manifest.json

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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