Iran Shiraz

Iran Shiraz refers to a body of artistic production documented across a vast timeline, active between 1301 and 1585. The known output consists primarily of intricate manuscript illuminations and miniature paintings, reflecting the high period of Persian literary illustration.

The known collection comprises six works, including five paintings, which focus heavily on classic Persian epic poetry. Specifically, works represented in museum collections frequently depict scenes from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) by Firdausi. Notable examples of Iran Shiraz paintings held in collections include the narrative illustrations Rustam slaying jackal, Zal Climbing to Rudaba, and The Wedding Night of Anushirvan and the Khaqan's Daughter. The known inventory also features non-epic subjects, such as A Polo Game: Page from a Kulliyyat (Collected Works) of Sa'di, demonstrating the breadth of material tackled by the school.

These historical works are represented in major Western institutions, with a significant holding of these miniature paintings preserved in the Art Institute of Chicago. Much of this material is now available as downloadable artwork, allowing researchers and the public access to high-quality prints of these ancient illuminations.