Accession Number1963/1.50
TitleKai Khusrau Crosses the Jihun, from the Shahnama of Firdausi
Artist(s)IranianArtist NationalityIranianObject Creation Datecirca 1460Medium & Supportink, opaque watercolor, and gold leaf on paperDimensions 10 1/2 in. x 7 1/16 in. ( 26.7 cm x 18 cm )
Subject matterWhen Giv and Kai Khusrau had reached the stream
In haste to cross they wrangled with the toll-man. …
Giv said to him: “Demand whate’er thou wilt,
But let us cross because a host approacheth.”
The officer, on hearing this from Giv,
Became extortionate …
Giv answered him: “O thou of broken wits!
Thou wouldst have toll: then take it in the river!
The stream for us, the ferryboat for thee:
‘Twill not be easy to collect thy fee!”
Giv told the prince: "If thou art Kai Khusrau
The stream will favour thee. …
If I, or if thy mother should be drowned,
Grieve not. For thee I lived because the throne
Of king of kings was naught. …
Then Kai Khusrau replied: “So be it. Enough.” …
He spake, and radiant as the morning star
Bestrode his sable steed, took to the water,
Reached like a boat the toll-house opposite,
And issued from the bed of the Jihun
With his gallant Giv and Farangis behind him.
Physical DescriptionThis Persian miniature is attributed to the Shiraz and Timurid schools, ca. 1460. The painting is done in ink, opaque watercolor and gold leaf on paper. The scene,
Kai Khusrau Crosses the Jihun, is part of the Shahnama of Firdausi, the Persian book of kings.
Primary Object ClassificationPaintingCollection AreaWesternRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
Figures
Iranian Islamic painting styles after the Mongols
Iranian Islamic styles after the Mongols
Persian-Farsi (language)
Shahnama
Timurid
Timurid painting styles
calligraphy (visual works)
gold leaf
gouaches (paintings)
man
men on horseback
miniatures (paintings)
shahs
watercolor painting (technique)