Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
Flag of AfghanistanIslamic ArtCodicesA.H. 1014/A.D. 1605–7

By Abu'l Qasim Firdausi|Muhammad ibn Mulla mir al-Husaini al-Ustadi

Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi is a codices Herat from present-day Afghanistan created in A.H. 1014/A.D. 1605–7 using ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper; lacquer binding measuring H. 14 3/4 in.. (37.5 cm) W. 9 3/4 in. (24. 8 cm) attributed to Abu'l Qasim Firdausi|Muhammad ibn Mulla mir al-Husaini al-Ustadi — now part of the Islamic Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About This Artwork

MediumInk, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper; lacquer binding
DimensionsH. 14 3/4 in.. (37.5 cm) W. 9 3/4 in. (24. 8 cm)
ClassificationCodices
DepartmentIslamic Art
Credit LineGift of Alexander Smith Cochran, 1913
DateA.H. 1014/A.D. 1605–7

Historical Context

Geography

Origin: Herat, present-day Afghanistan. Flag of Afghanistan

Frequently Asked Questions

What department houses Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi?

Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi is housed in the Islamic Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When was Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi created?

Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi dates to A.H. 1014/A.D. 1605–7.

What material is Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi made from?

Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi is crafted from ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper; lacquer binding.

Where does Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi originate?

Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi originates from present-day Afghanistan.

Is Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi in the public domain?

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

Related