Persianesque: Iranian Magazine

Ferdowsi's Tomb

Intricately detailed and sumptuously painted images of kings, heroes and mythological creatures from the Shahnameh, Iran’s national epic and one of the world’s greatest literary masterpieces, will be on view in “Shahnama (sic): 1000 Years of the Persian Book of Kings” at the Sackler Gallery Oct. 23 – April 17, 2011.

Completed in ca. 1010 by Persian poet Ferdowsi, the Shahnama recounts the myths, legends and “history” of Iran from the beginning of time to the Arab conquest in the 7th century. The exhibition comprises 33 paintings and objects from the 14th to 16th centuries, including folios from two of the most celebrated copies of the Shahnama in existence.

“This exhibition celebrates the remarkable achievement of Ferdowsi and the manuscript painting it has inspired over the last millennium,” said chief curator and organizer of the exhibition. “In its cultural significance and popularity the Shahnama is on equal footing with the works of Shakespeare, Homer and the Mahabharata.”

The Shahnameh is composed of some 50,000 verses, structured around the reign of 50 monarchs, which in turn serve as a frame for other stories, replete with colorful characters and supernatural beings. The stories explore epic themes, such as honor, loyalty, justice and fate through heroic battles, feats of bravery as well as human folly and hubris. The vivid poem draws on a wealth of oral and written sources, including the Avesta, the sacred text of the Zoroastrian religion.

The exhibition includes several folios from a 14th-century copy of the Shahnameh completed for the Mongol rulers of Iran, which is considered an artistic watershed in the history of Persian manuscript illustration because of its scale and highly original compositions. Also on display are folios from the most lavishly produced Shahnama manuscript in the Islamic world, a 16th-century copy commissioned by Shah Tahmasb (reigned 1524-76). Several silver and bronze vessels, produced in the sixth and seventh centuries under Sasanian patronage, are also included.

“Shahnama: 1000 Years of the Persian Book of Kings” is divided into three parts. After an introduction to principal themes of the epic and their ancient Iranian origins, the exhibition introduces major characters from the Shahnama’s mythical section such as the legendary hero Rustam, known as the protector of Iran, and his father, Zal. A highlight of this section is the painting The Court of Jamshid, that depicts the enthroned legendary monarch who introduced the arts, crafts, and sciences to Iran and thought that he was superior to all, even God. His hubris, however, cost him his life and throne. This remarkable illustration embodies the ideals of Persian manuscript painting with its emphasis on meticulously balanced compositions, jewel-like surfaces and superb draftsmanship

The second section of the exhibition focuses primarily on Iskandar or Alexander, the Macedonian conqueror, who ushers in the quasi-historical section of the Shahnameh. Although Alexander invaded Iran in 330 BCE, he is represented in Persian literature as a just, sage-like king.

The galleries will offer exhibition-related programming that includes a family-friendly performance of the legendary Persian tale “The Adventures of King Bahram, the Hunter” by Ardavan Mofid & Co. Oct. 17 at 2 p.m.

On Dec. 4 from 2-5 p.m., the galleries will offer a two-part program: the renowned scholar and professor of Persian literature Dick Davis will speak on the role of women in the Shahnameh, and Azar Nafisi, the best-selling author of Reading Lolita in Tehran, will discuss the lasting significance of Iran’s national epic.

“Shahnama: 1000 Years of the Persian Book of Kings” is organized by the Sackler Gallery with support from The Lee and Juliet Folger Fund. The exhibition will be accompanied by a color brochure.

The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, located at 1050 Independence Avenue S.W., and the adjacent Freer Gallery of Art, located at 12th Street and Independence Avenue S.W., are on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day, except Dec. 25, and admission is free. The galleries are located near the Smithsonian Metrorail station on the Blue and Orange lines. For more information about Freer and Sackler exhibitions, programs and events, please visit: asia.si.edu.

Purchase the 2010/10 Iranian/Gregorian calendar designed and produced by the girls at the Omid Foundation showing their own paintings and photographs. Part of the proceeds is donated to the girls who created the calendar.

The calendar shows both the Iranian as well as the Gregorian dates/months from 22 March 2010 until 21 March 2011. Continue Reading

Stepping off of Westwood  Blvd. in  LA, into a Persian bookstore, I made a complete examination of the space, and noticed  that one book was placed in two different locations. 

“Ancient Iran,” by Massoume Price–and published by Anahita Productions Limited (2008)–was placed in both the “Children’s” section, as well as the “Adult Arts.”

It seems that the owner of the store was aware of the book’s dualistic qualities.  The book is seemingly geared toward the young reader (by the indication: “Culture of Iran Youth Series” on top of the book), who may be inexperienced with the culture and rich  historical timeline of ancient Iran. 

Photo-inclusive, and broken down into sections, the book attempts to categorize the different periods of Iranian history starting from the “Burnt City’–over  5000 years ago–ending at the Sasanian dynasty of the 7th century AD.  Simple, yet compact paragraphs describe the basic time periods, while the large color imagery serves to engage the eye and mind. 

There is much to be said about the photographs, and there are plenty of rich treasures that are printed within this book.  The almost life-size photo of a Gold Bracelet (pg. 15) is as real as one can get without being at a museum.  Ms. Price succeeds in highlighting archeological finds that give proper perspective into civilization, and to Iran, in particular showing the earliest finds for games such as Backgammon, wine making, and of course the garden.

I must admit, that while I consider myself an amateur historian, I found this brief read, insightful in ways that inspired me to research more of a particular time period.  When I grew up in the 80s in the states, regrettably there was nothing like this book, and I can only say that it serves both the young child, who is ready to learn about Iran, as well as the adult who could use a refresher course, or might not even be aware of Iranian history.

Ms. Price, also involves other aspects of Iranian culture, that being a description of the ancient writing forms of Iran ranging from cuneiform, to middle Persian, and even insight into clothing styles, and food.  While children can learn about Persian culture by cooking with the family, those of us without children can also replicate ancient recopies for Parthian Bread, and Parthian Chicken. 

I always wondered what we did to prepare food before the tomato, and the potato reached Iran. 

Perhaps in terms of a civilization that is over 5000 years old, we are all children who can benefit from learning more about the past.

Iranian-American Actor/Comedian: Maz Jobrani, Original Photo: MazJobrani.com

Iranian-American actor and mega-comedian, Maz Jobrani, is set to star in ABC’s first Iranian-American comedy pilot based on Firoozeh Dumas’s book about growing up in the 1970s in Newport Beach, California: Funny in Farsi.

For those that know, Persian humor is truly some of the most clever and unique form of comedy. And with Maz Jobrani’s timing and skills, we’re positive that he’ll be providing some authentic Persian flavor to the mainstream tube; which will surely prove to be funny in English as well.

How does Maz feel about being a part of this project?

“Like Tony the Tiger,” he tells us. “Grrrrrrreeeat!”