Battle of Rustam and Kamus-e Kashani Illuminated page from a Shahnama (or Book of Kings) by Ferdowsi Ink, polychrome pigments and gold on paper India, Delhi, second half of 18th century Page size: 18.2 by 25.8 cm Provenance: Galerie Joseph Soustiel (1904-1990) he worked in the Bvd Haussmann gallery in Paris from 1935 until 1983. This page illustrates an episode from the Book of Kings, in which scenes of battle and singular combat play an important role. Here, the hero Rustam, dressed in tiger skin, babr-e-bayan and wearing a feline headdress, lassoes Kamus-e Kashani. Characteristic of the Dehli style, which enjoyed a revival between the late 18th and early 19th centuries, this painting features a number of very fine details. The image is framed by text in nastaliq' calligraphy on four columns and framing fillets.

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