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Beaker depicting the Shahnama, Kashan, Iran, Saljuq Period
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Beaker depicting the Shahnama, Kashan, Iran, Saljuq Period
FSG348655 Beaker depicting the Shahnama, Kashan, Iran, Saljuq Period, late 12th century (stone-paste painted under glaze and over glaze with enamel) by Persian School, (12th century); 12x11.2x11.2 cm; Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution, USA; (add.info.: This celebrated beaker is the only known object from the Islamic world that is illustrated with a complete narrative cycle from the Shahnama, the Persian Book of Kings. Organized in horizontal bands, the small but highly detailed images recount the adventures of Bizhan and Manizha, beginning with Firdawsis beloved telling the story. The climax in the narrative appears in the lower register and depicts Rustam rescuing Bizhan from the pit where he has been imprisoned by the Turanian king Afrasiyab, Manizhas evil father. This pictorial cycle predates any other depictions of the Bizhan and Manizha romance by some one hundred years.
It is interesting to note that the adventures of the two lovers appear on a drinking cup, a vessel of particular ritual significance in royal banquets during the ancient and Islamic periods.); Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution; Purchase - Charles Lang Freer Endowment; Iranian, out of copyright
Media ID 23376332
© Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution Purchase - Charles Lang Freer Endowment / Bridgeman Images
Afrasiyab Band Bands Beaker Bijan Bizhan Camel Camels Cycle Decorations East Eastern Epic Iran Iranian Lover Manizha Middle Mina I Minai Motif Narrative Period Persia Pictorial Rituals Rustam Seljuk Shahnama Shahnameh Stoneware Ware Ceramics Lovers Stone Paste
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable beaker from the Saljuq Period in Kashan, Iran. Created by the Persian School in the late 12th century, this stone-paste beaker is a true masterpiece of artistry and storytelling. Measuring at 12x11.2x11.2 cm, it now resides in the prestigious Freer Gallery of Art at the Smithsonian Institution in the USA. What makes this beaker truly exceptional is its depiction of a complete narrative cycle from the Shahnama, also known as the Persian Book of Kings. The intricate images are organized into horizontal bands and tell the enthralling adventures of Bizhan and Manizha. Starting with Firdawsi's beloved telling their story, these highly detailed scenes culminate with Rustam rescuing Bizhan from his imprisonment by Afrasiyab, Manizha's wicked father. It is fascinating to note that this pictorial cycle predates any other depictions of Bizhan and Manizha romance by approximately one hundred years. Even more intriguing is that these epic tales are illustrated on a drinking cup - a vessel with significant ritual importance during royal banquets throughout ancient and Islamic periods. The historical significance combined with exquisite craftsmanship make this beaker an invaluable cultural artifact representing Iranian heritage. Its presence in our modern world serves as a testament to humanity's enduring fascination with stories passed down through generations.
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