2-743-063 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Text Page, Persian Verses (Recto); The Fortieth Year of King Kisra Nushirwan's Reign. The Story of Buzrgmihr. "Kisra Nushirwan questions Buzurghmihr" in the manuscript of Shahnama of Firdawsi., 1330-1335. Mongol interest in the production of illustrated manuscripts evenutally focused on Persian epic poetry. The Shahnama, a compilation of the epics and tales of Iran's legendary heroes, was a natural choice; the book included many subjects that suited Mongol taste, such as banquets, battles, hunting, and magical or fantastic events. Seated on the throne in the center of the painting is the Sasanian ruler of Iran, Khusraw I Anushirwan (531-579), descendant of Bahram Gur (seen killing a dragon in CMA 1943.658). Above the king's head an inscription reads, "Picture of Nushirwan the Just." The figure in the elaborate turban to the left of the king is probably the young Minister Buzurgmihr, famous for his wisdom and virtue. To celebrate the explanation of a troublesome dream by Buzurgmihr, Nushirwan held a series of seven banquets. The text around this painting describes the fifth banquet.