"Bazur, the Magician, Raises up Darkness and a Storm", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 1405 - 1465

"Bazur, the Magician, Raises up Darkness and a Storm" is a folio from a Shahnama, or Book of Kings, a collection of epic poems that tell the history of Persia from its mythological beginnings to the 7th century. The artwork, dated between 1405 and 1465, depicts a scene from the epic poem, where the magician Bazur raises up darkness and a storm, symbolizing the turmoil and chaos brought about by his magic. The Shahnama, written by the Persian poet Abu'l Qasim Firdausi in the 10th and 11th centuries, was a source of inspiration for countless Persian artists over the centuries, resulting in many illustrated Shahnamas that are today prized for their intricate artistry and historical significance. This particular folio, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, showcases the delicate brushwork and vibrant colors characteristic of Persian miniature painting.