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Text concerning Rustam’s fifth and sixth trials (text, recto and verso), folio from a manuscript of the Shahnama by Firdawsi

Text concerning Rustam’s fifth and sixth trials (text, recto and verso), folio from a manuscript of the Shahnama by Firdawsi

Persian

Mighty Rustam is the chief hero in the Shahnama. In the course of an adventurous life that spanned centuries, he battled for Iran and her rulers. Here, in the last of his seven courses, he slew great White Demon (Div) of Mazanderan. After a desperate struggle, he cut out his adversary's liver to bring it back to the captive and blinded Iranian king Kay Kavus, for only drops of the White Demon's blood could restore the king's sight.

Ink, opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Safavid period

Manuscripts