222. Two miniatures illustrating episodes in the Shahnameh Polychrome pigments and gold on paper Kashmir, 18th-19th century. These two miniatures depict episodes from the famous Shahnameh (or Book of Kings), Ferdowsi's epic recounting the history the history of Iran and its founding narratives, from its origins to the Arab conquest. One depicts the hero Rustam in combat against Afrasiyab, lifting his enemy from his saddle. The second depicts Zal fighting Afrasiyab's army army. The miniatures are set in polychrome framing in polychrome and gilded frames. They are surmounted by a title written in a half-mandorla framed by two boteh, illuminated with gold vegetal motifs on a blue background. The is framed by a frieze of polychrome floral motifs and gold.