Two Miniatures of the Battle between Rustam and Dragons in Shirazi School in Al-e-Injoo and Timurid Eras: A Comparative Study

Shahnameh has always been one of the literary works which Persian miniaturists have been especially interested in illustrating it. This can be seen through a high number of copies of Shahname surviving from the Islamic era. Miniaturists of Shirazi School are no exception. Shiraz was invaded two times during the Persian history; once by Mongols and another time by Timur army. However, with its miniature heritage in support, Shiraz could manage to preserve its unique miniature style and pass it down to subsequent generations. This study aimed to compare Shirazi miniature school during Al-e-Injoo (703-757) and Timurid (771-913) Eras. To do so, the content of the battle between Rustam and dragons was selected. Data were collected based on library sources. Despite the similarities and differences between the two scenes, the results indicated that Shirazi miniature school in Timurid era has been the continuation of Al-e-Injoo miniature style. Examination of Shirazi miniature, as a school more characterized by the Persian identity compared with other schools, indicated the significance of the present research.