One of the most spectacular illuminated books in history is this edition of Firdausi's
Shanama made for Shah Tamasp around 1550.The paintings have been scattered and now reside on three continents, but
the Met has some of the best, with big images online. Most of the images I present are details, because the paintings are too big and complex to display well at the scale I can manage. Above,
The Angel Surush Rescues Khusrau Parviz from a Cul-de-sac.
Tahmuras Defeats the Divs.
Faridun crosses the River Dijla or Tigris
Faridun Disguised as a Dragon Tests his Sons. Notice how Chinese this dragon is.
Drunket Iranian Camp Attacked by Night
Rustam Sleeping while his Horse Kills a Lion. (Which, when you think about it, is a bizarre story to tell about your national hero. Like, he was so badass that his horse could kill you without his even waking up?)
And this fellow (Isfandiyar) could slay a dragon without getting out of his cart.
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