"Firdausi's Parable of the Ship of Shi'ism", Folio 18v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp 1505 - 1560

This folio, a 16th-century illustration from a Safavid manuscript of the *Shahnama* (Book of Kings), depicts a scene from the story of Firdausi. This miniature painting, attributed to the renowned Persian poet Abu’l Qasim Firdausi, illustrates a scene from the *Shahnama* where a ship carries the twelve Imams of Shi’ism. The painting is notable for its vibrant colors, intricate details, and masterful use of perspective. The painting is a prime example of Safavid art and exemplifies the high-quality artistic production of the period. The *Shahnama* manuscript is a cherished cultural artifact from Persia.