From Shah-nama, the Book of Kings for Shah Tahmasp, Tabriz, fol. 63r

Staatliche Museen Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Berlin

Museum für Islamische Kunst, Inv. Nr. 1.5/77

This magnificent miniature shows a scene from the great national epic of Iran, Shah-nama, the Book of Kings. The picture depicts, as explained in the inscriptions, the arrival of Prince Sam and four of his riders in front of the steep and insurmountable cliff of Alburz upon which Zal with his white hair is debating with Simurg. This tale belongs to the world-famous epic which was composed by the Iranian national poet, Firdausi between 982 and 1014.