"Iskandar Speaks with the Bird on the Mountain", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
Flag of IranIslamic ArtCodicesca. 1330–40

By Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

"Iskandar Speaks with the Bird on the Mountain", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi is a codices probably Isfahan from Iran created in ca. 1330–40 using ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper measuring Page: 8 1/16 x 5 1/4 in. (20.5 x 13.3 cm) Painting: 1 7/8 x… attributed to Abu'l Qasim Firdausi — now part of the Islamic Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About This Artwork

MediumInk, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
DimensionsPage: 8 1/16 x 5 1/4 in. (20.5 x 13.3 cm) Painting: 1 7/8 x 4 1/4 in. (4.7 x 10.8 cm)
ClassificationCodices
DepartmentIslamic Art
Credit LineBequest of Monroe C. Gutman, 1974
Dateca. 1330–40

Historical Context

Geography

Origin: probably Isfahan, Iran. Flag of Iran

Frequently Asked Questions

What department houses "Iskandar Speaks with the Bird on the Mountain", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi?

"Iskandar Speaks with the Bird on the Mountain", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi is housed in the Islamic Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When was "Iskandar Speaks with the Bird on the Mountain", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi created?

"Iskandar Speaks with the Bird on the Mountain", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi dates to ca. 1330–40.

What material is "Iskandar Speaks with the Bird on the Mountain", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi made from?

"Iskandar Speaks with the Bird on the Mountain", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi is crafted from ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper.

Where does "Iskandar Speaks with the Bird on the Mountain", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi originate?

"Iskandar Speaks with the Bird on the Mountain", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi originates from Iran.

Is "Iskandar Speaks with the Bird on the Mountain", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi in the public domain?

"Iskandar Speaks with the Bird on the Mountain", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi is in the public domain and can be freely used.

Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026

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