Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi 1450 - 1699

This elaborately decorated cover of a manuscript of Abu'l Qasim Firdausi’s *Shahnama* (Book of Kings), a 10th-century Persian epic poem, is a stunning example of Islamic bookbinding. Dating from 1450-1699, the cover features a central panel of gold-tooled leather depicting an idealized garden scene, surrounded by a richly decorated border. This luxurious binding reflects the high regard for literature in Safavid Persia, where the *Shahnama* was considered a national treasure and a source of great pride.