Preparations for the wedding of Farangis and Siyavush (painting, recto; text, verso), folio from a manuscript of the Shahnama by Firdawsi

Unknown (Iranian)

Item type:

manuscript, codex, scroll

Date of creation:

1562

Height:

37.1 cm  (14 5/8 in.)

Width:

23.8 cm  (9 3/8 in.)

Technique / Medium:

ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Place of creation:

Shīrāz (Fārs, Īrān)

School:

Safavid

Description

Stories of Farangis and Siyavush are known from the epic poem Shahnameh by the Persian poet Ferdowsi (ca. 940–1020). The museum website entry for this manuscript folio includes the following description: Estranged from his father, the king of Iran, Prince Siyavush temporarily enjoyed the hospitality of Afrasiyab, the ruler of Turan. At the urging of the Turanian commander-in-chief, Piran, Siyavush asked for the hand of the king’s daughter, Farangis. Despite his misgivings, Afrasiyab agreed to give the beautiful princess to Siyavush. In this painting, Farangis is receiving lavish wedding presents from Gulshahr, Piran’s wife, who kneels before her. Afrasiyab observes the gift giving from his throne. Attended by court officials, servants, musicians, and a dancer, the festive celebration takes place in two lavish tents pitched in a blooming garden.

Iconclass

48CC753
more than one musician with instrument - CC - 'concert champetre'
48C8422
female dancer

Instruments [MIMO Code] (notes)

Tambourine [2746]
Zither [3729] (possibly a qanun)
Rabab [3198]

RIdIM images

Image URLs

image link 1

RIdIM record id

5797