Firdowsi - Shahnameh Manuscript - 1760

A single manuscript page written in Persian nasta’liq script, dating back to the 18th Century from Ferdowsi's Shahnameh (Book of Kings). The cartouche header half way down the page reads, Rasidan-e Giv be dargah-e Guzeh ("The arrival of Giv at the court of Guzeh"). This marks the episode in Ferdowsi's poem in which the Iranian hero Gives reaches the court of a local ruler named Guzeh. Giv was prominent member of the House of Godarz, he is famous for his absolute loyalty—most notably spending seven years searching the enemy land of Turan for the hidden prince Kay Khosrow.

The folio is narrative rather than heroic epic poetry whose themes are diplomacy and courtly encounter (Giv arriving at the court), concealment and recognition and wisdom over force.

The page is plain text, divided into 4 columns of 25 lines of script in fine nasta'liq black ink, separated by a decorative floral column. A single decorative central cartouche marks a chapter division.

The Shahnameh is an epic Persian poem by Ferdowsi detailing the history and mythology of Iran from the creation of the world to the Arab conquest in the 7th century. Comprising around 50,000 verses, the poem chronicles the mythical and historical reigns of Persian kings, their heroic deeds, and their conflicts with demons and evil forces. It is a foundational work of Persian literature, equivalent to Shakespeare's works in English culture, vital for preserving Iranian cultural identity and national spirit. The poet Ferdowsi dedicated his life to this monumental work, aiming to record ancient Persian history and lore before it was lost after the Arab conquests.

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