"Rakhsh Kills a Lion while Rustam is Asleep", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
Flag of IranIslamic ArtCodicesca. 1300–30

By Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

"Rakhsh Kills a Lion while Rustam is Asleep", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi is a codices from Northwestern Iran or Baghdad created in ca. 1300–30 using ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper measuring Text block: 6 1/16 x 4 13/16 in. (15.4 x 12.3 cm) Painting… 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, silver, and gold on paper
DimensionsText block: 6 1/16 x 4 13/16 in. (15.4 x 12.3 cm) Painting: 1 13/16 x 3 5/16 in. (4.6 x 8.4 cm)
ClassificationCodices
DepartmentIslamic Art
Credit LineRogers Fund, 1969
Dateca. 1300–30

Historical Context

Geography

Origin: Northwestern Iran or Baghdad. Flag of Iran

Frequently Asked Questions

What department houses "Rakhsh Kills a Lion while Rustam is Asleep", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi?

"Rakhsh Kills a Lion while Rustam is Asleep", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi is housed in the Islamic Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When was "Rakhsh Kills a Lion while Rustam is Asleep", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi created?

"Rakhsh Kills a Lion while Rustam is Asleep", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi dates to ca. 1300–30.

What material is "Rakhsh Kills a Lion while Rustam is Asleep", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi made from?

"Rakhsh Kills a Lion while Rustam is Asleep", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi is crafted from ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper.

Where does "Rakhsh Kills a Lion while Rustam is Asleep", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi originate?

"Rakhsh Kills a Lion while Rustam is Asleep", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi originates from Northwestern Iran or Baghdad.

Is "Rakhsh Kills a Lion while Rustam is Asleep", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi in the public domain?

"Rakhsh Kills a Lion while Rustam is Asleep", 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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