Kai Khosrow Wrestles with Shideh, from an illustrated Shahnameh manuscript
Iran, Shiraz, Kai Khosrow Wrestles with Shideh, from an illustrated Shahnameh manuscript, ca. 1560, ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Edwin Binney, 3rd, public domain, 70.27.8
This work is not currently on view.
- Title
Kai Khosrow Wrestles with Shideh, from an illustrated Shahnameh manuscript
- Related Titles
display title: Kai Khosrow wrestles with Shideh, from an illustrated Shahnameh manuscript
- Artist
- Date
ca. 1560
- Period
Safavid Empire (1502-1736)
- Medium
ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
- Dimensions (H x W x D)
sheet: 14 1/4 in x 9 1/2 in
- Collection Area
Asian Art
- Category
Paintings
Islamic Art
- Object Type
painting
manuscript leaf
calligraphy
- Culture
Iranian
Persian
- Credit Line
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Edwin Binney, 3rd
- Accession Number
70.27.8
- Copyright
public domain
- Terms
- Place Made
Created in: Shiraz
After centuries of warfare, the Iranian shah Kay Khosrow and the Turanian king Afrasyab assembled their armies for a decisive battle. After three days of the armies facing each other across the plain, the tension grew unbearable. On the fourth day, Afrasyab's son Shideh challenged Khosrow to individual combat. They were well matched and fought "until their spears were blunted." Desperate to seek an advantage, Shideh proposed that they dismount—hoping that the Iranian would refuse the ignominy of fighting on foot. Khosrow accepted and quickly closed in on Shideh,
And, as a lion puts forth its paws !T!upon its prey and flings it, … [he] clutched Shideh, raised him, dashed him to the ground, and broke his legs and backbone like a reed. Then, drawing forth his trenchant blade, Khosrow clave Shideh's heart in twain.
- Exhibitions
2000 Invocations of Paradise: The Traditional Arts of Persia Portland Art Museum
