"Rustam Kills Isfandiyar with a Double Pointed Arrow", Folio from a Shahnama 15th century

This scene of Rustam slaying Isfandiyar with a double-pointed arrow comes from a Shahnama, likely made in the 16th century using ink, colors, and gold on paper. The vivid colors and meticulous detail are achieved through a labor-intensive process. The paper itself would have been carefully prepared, burnished to a smooth finish, perfect for receiving the delicate brushstrokes. The pigments, likely derived from minerals and plants, were ground and mixed with binders. The gold detailing—notice, for instance, the helmets of the figures behind Isfandiyar— would have been applied painstakingly, adding a sense of opulence to the scene. The social context of this work is important; the Shahnama was often commissioned by royalty and elites, and the production of these manuscripts was a collaborative effort, involving skilled calligraphers, illuminators, and painters working under the patronage system. This intricate process underscores the value placed on craftsmanship and artistic skill, as well as the cultural significance of the epic tales being depicted.