From the Book of Kings by Firdausi. A Shah Namah illustration. 11 from the same work illustrated and well described by E. Blochet in Rupam No.41, Jan. 1930. Date there 1200.

Rakhsh, Rustam's Horse, Kills a Lion While His Master Sleeps, c. 1300

Unknown artist, Western Iran or Baghdadexpand_more

Colors and gold on paperexpand_more

Bequest of Mrs. Margaret McMillan Webber in memory of her mother, Katherine Kittredge McMillanexpand_more  51.37.10a,b

On View in Gallery 243expand_more

This illustration succinctly captures an iconic moment in the Shahnameh, when one of its great heroes, Rustam, falls asleep in a thicket of reeds. A lion attempts to attack, but Rustam’s legendary horse, Rakhsh, swiftly intercedes and kills the lion with his bare teeth. Note the pattern on Rakhsh’s body, which Rustam describes as “a wonder to behold; like saffron petals, mottled red and gold.” Bravery and loyalty are persistent themes throughout the Shahnameh, particularly in scenes with Rustam, a warrior who serves a succession of kings and is seen here on a quest to save King Kavous from a demon.

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Title
Rakhsh, Rustam's Horse, Kills a Lion While His Master Sleeps
Role
Artist
Accession Number
51.37.10a,b
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From the Book of Kings by Firdausi. A Shah Namah illustration. 11 from the same work illustrated and well described by E. Blochet in Rupam No.41, Jan. 1930. Date there 1200.

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