ManuscriptsPersian16th century

Episodes from the Story of Mahuy (text, recto and verso), folio from a manuscript of the Shahnama by Firdawsi

1562

Description

Text folio, with titles “How Mahuy was informed of Yazdigird’s death and ascended the throne” and “Mahuy’s consultation with the minister and his answer to him” Recto. Text corresponds with Ramazani (1963) vol. 5, pp. 237-38, lines 7942-7971; text describes how Mahuy of Sur was informed of the obsequies of Yazdigird, and ascended the throne. Verso. Text corresponds with Ramazani (1963) vol. 5, pp. 328-30, lines 7972-8001; subtitles in text read, "Reign of Mahuy lasted six months," and "How Bijan, hearing of the slaying of Yazdigird and of Mahuy 's accession to the throne, left with a host to fight with him."

Classification

Manuscripts

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Culture

Persian

Period

Safavid period

Century

16th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art

Dimensions

36.7 x 23.7 cm (14 7/16 x 9 5/16 in.)

Provenance

[Christies, London, 17 October 1995, lot no. 79]. [Mansour Gallery, London, before 1998] sold; to Stanford and Norma Jean Calderwood, Belmont, MA (by 1998-2002), gift; to Harvard Art Museums, 2002.