Folio from Ferdawsi's Shahnameh (d. 1020), Rostam and the White Dîv, Safavid Iran, early 17th century Manuscript folio on paper with 25 lines of text in four columns, in Persian nasta'liq in black ink. One side features a cartouche illuminated in gold and polychrome with a title in reserve on a gold background decorated with foliage. The other side is richly illustrated with a painting depicting Rostam, recognizable by his leopard-headed helmet and egret, killing the white dîv, chief of the demons, in his cave. Surrounding the fight, a man observing the scene at the foot of a tree and their two mounts in the lower left. The painting extends between the columns of text and all around into the margins. 29 x 21 cm at sight Stains, wear, small folds, wetness, one repaired tear, small repaints. Another folio of Shahnameh, Iran, 17th-19th century. Later illustrated with a battle scene in which Rostam smashes his opponent's skull with a club, the Persian text of 30 lines in four columns in nasta'liq calligraphy. 29.5 x 18 cm A Safavid Folio from a Shahnameh of Ferdowsi with Rostam and the White Div, Iran, early 17th century