Rustam brings the Div King before Kai Kavus, execution scene,ca1525–30
Actual original museum bytes individually inspected: richly ornamented court scene including Rustam and the executed captive at lower centre. Exact named manuscript folio127v. Museum notes later blackening of Kai Kavus face and hands; that is object alteration, not demon anatomy.
Overview
The Met identifies folio127v of Shah Tahmasp’s Shahnama as Rustam Brings the Div King to Kai Kavus for Execution. The object was made in Tabriz about 1525–30, with the painting attributed to Mir Musavvir and Qasim ibn Ali. The museum explains that this ruler’s forces continue attacking after the deaths of the White Div and Arzhang, keeping him distinct from those named adversaries.
In the episode represented, Rustam captures the king, who changes into a stone. Rustam carries him before Kai Kavus and threatens to cut him apart. He returns to div form and is executed on the king’s order. The record also notes later blackening of Kai Kavus’s face and hands; that intervention belongs to the object’s history, not the demon’s transformations.
Origins & earliest records
Persian epic traditions; named source setting
Records & interpretation
Identified primary narrative or custodial object record directly read; image pixels verified only where explicitly noted.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
Rustam Brings the Div King to Kai Kavus for Execution
Shah Tahmasp Shahnama, folio127v; Met 1970.301.19
Family & connections
A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.
Primary records and illustrations
Rustam Brings the Div King to Kai Kavus for Execution
Persian epic traditions. Shah Tahmasp Shahnama, folio127v; Met 1970.301.19
Actual passage or object record read directly. Museum image bytes not yet visually inspected for these new West Asian objects.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Museum / primary object recordRustam Brings the Div King to Kai Kavus for Execution — Shah Tahmasp Shahnama, folio127v; Met 1970.301.19Research access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
Historical illustrationRustam brings the Div King before Kai Kavus, execution scene,ca1525–30
Actual original museum bytes individually inspected: richly ornamented court scene including Rustam and the executed captive at lower centre. Exact named manuscript folio127v. Museum notes later blackening of Kai Kavus face and hands; that is object alteration, not demon anatomy.
