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Details
- Other Title
- Bahrangal performing a feat before gaining the throne
- Place where the work was made
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Iran
- Cultural origin
- Persia
- Date
- circa 1600
- Media categories
- Miniature , Manuscript
- Materials used
- gouache, gold leaf and ink on paper
- Dimensions
- 16.0 x 29.0 cm
- Credit
- Purchased 1970
- Location
- South Building, lower level 1, Asian Lantern galleries
- Accession number
- EP1.1970
- Copyright
- Share
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About
While originating in what is now Iran, the traditions of Persian poetry and story-telling through text and illuminations held a great sphere of influence over neighbouring empires. Patrons of the Ottoman Turks and the Indian Mughals commissioned poets and artisans to retell the dramatic episodes of love in the courts and bloodshed on the battlefields. A number illuminate the Persian epics that celebrate love and heroism such as the Shahnama (Book of Kings) completed by Abu’l Qasim Firdausi in 1010 CE and the Haft Pakyar (The seven beauties) written by Nizami Ganjavi in 1197. While the works remain secular they are laden with moralistic and legendry tales laced with historical figures and events. A hero of both epics is Bahram Gur whose character derives from the historical Sasanian king, Bahram V.
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Places
Where the work was made
Iran
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Exhibition history
Shown in 2 exhibitions
Love and devotion: from Persia and beyond, State Library of Victoria, Melbourne, 09 Mar 2012–01 Jul 2012
Elemental, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 30 Jul 2022–2024
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Bibliography
Referenced in 1 publication
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Susan Scollay (Editor), Love and Devotion: From Persia and Beyond, Victoria, 2012.
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Provenance
E Irvin, 27 Feb 1970, Sydney/New South Wales/Australia, purchased by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Feb 1970.