Sindukht Becoming Aware of Rudaba’s Actions
Page from the Great Mongol Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Iran (probably Tabriz), 1330s
Ink, colors, and gold on paper
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.; Purchase,
Smithsonian Unrestricted Trust Funds, Smithsonian Collections Acquisition Program, and Dr. Arthur M. Sackler (S1986.102)
cat. 37
[click images for full object view]

The early chapters of the Shahnama tell the love story between Zal, son of Sam (a paladin of Shah Manuchihr) and Rudaba, daughter of the rival king of Kabul. Zal is the same white-haired man offering praises to Shah Zav in another painting from the Shahnama (see Introduction section, page 2).

In spite of the obvious obstacles, Sam granted Zal permission to marry Rudaba. Zal sent word to Rudaba via her maid, whom Rudaba rewarded and sent back to Zal with gifts.

Rudaba’s mother Sindukht, however, intercepted the maid and found the gifts. Distressed by Rudaba’s secretiveness, Sindukht summoned her daughter.

The painting shows Sindukht, her hand raised in reproach, with Rudaba and the maid.

An elaborate necklace is prominently depicted in the foreground. This represents a slight deviation from the text, which makes no mention of a necklace, but indicates the artist was familiar with the types of jewelry appropriate to a courtly milieu.