Siyavush plays polo before Afrasiyab, from the Book of Kings (Shahnama) by Firdausi

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Siyavush plays polo before Afrasiyab, folio from the Book of Kings (Shahnama) by Firdausi. Firdausi's epic Book of Kings was composed c. 1010, and tells in Persian verse the mythical histories of fifty kings and queens from ancient pre-Islamic Iran. The stories blend historical figures and events with dramatic legend, featuring superhuman heroes, supernatural monsters and kings of variable quality. Depicted here is the noble prince Siyavush, who leaves Iran for the rival court of Afrasiyab, ruler of Turan. Welcomed by Afrasiyab, Siyavush and his men play polo with the Turanians, who marvel at prince's great skill in the game. Detached folio, ink, colours and gold on paper, Persian poetry in nasta`liq script, painting (on verso), text copied by Muhammad Baqqal, dated 23 Jumada I 885H, Shiraz, Iran, 31 July 1480