"Kai Kavus Attempts to Fly to Heaven", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 1425 - 1475

This is an illustration made in the tenth or eleventh century, as part of the Shahnama, or Book of Kings, by Abu'l Qasim Firdausi. It's painted in opaque watercolour, ink and gold on paper, and depicts the story of Kai Kavus's ill-fated attempt to fly to heaven. The colours are vivid, and the artist has used techniques such as layering, blending, burnishing, and gilding to achieve a stunning level of detail. Notice the intricate patterns on Kai Kavus's throne, and the delicate brushwork used to render the clouds and sun. Such work required precision and control to capture the narrative. But beyond the visual splendour, this illustration offers a glimpse into the wider cultural and economic context of its creation. The materials used to create this painting – precious pigments, gold leaf, and fine paper – would have been expensive and carefully crafted. The production of the Shahnama was clearly a costly, labor-intensive undertaking that required the skills of many. By attending to its materiality, making, and historical context, we come to a richer understanding of the world from which it emerged.