Shah Tahmasp Shahnameh
Rustam Pursues Akvan Div, in the Guise of an Onager
Folio detached from the Shah Tahmasp Shahnameh
Attributed to Muzaffar ‘Ali
Iran, Tabriz, ca. 1530–1535
Opaque watercolour, ink, silver and gold on paper
AKM162
In the Shahnameh, the hero Rustam’s ability to overcome adversity owes as much to his physical power as to his perceptive mind. In one episode, the hero has been sent by King Kay Khusraw to capture a powerful, giant onager (wild donkey), which has been attacking a local shepherd’s flock. After three days of searching, Rustam finds the onager, but when he moves to lasso it, the animal suddenly disappears. This illustration shows the onager — with a yellow hide and black stripe as described in the text — defiantly glaring at Rustam just before it vanishes. Rustam quickly realizes that he is not dealing with an animal, but a div (demon) who possesses magical powers. It will take both strength and strategy to destroy him, setting the stage for their eventual stand-off.