"The Combat of Rustam and Ashkabus", Folio 268v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
With daylight the battle resumes. Before the armies can clash, Ashkabus rides out from the Turanian side and starts to abuse the Iranians. After Ruhham tries unsuccessfully to shoot Ashkabus with arrows, Rustam enters the fray. He is on foot, having left Rakhsh to rest. He parries the taunts of Ashkabus, then shoots the Turanian's horse with a single arrow. After that, one arrow from Rustam's bow finishes him off.
Credit: Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
c. 1525-30
Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
23.8 x 19.4cm
1970.301.40
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019
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