Persian Polo

Polo originated long ago in the royal courts of the Orient. As far back as the fifth century B.C. the kings of ancient Iran played it, and Persian art has recorded its old and honorable history through the centuries. In this decorative and colorful 16th century miniature a prince and his friends engage in lively contest on a field marked with blue goal posts while musicians on a nearby hill lend a gala air to the sporting scene.

ILLUSTRATION

FREER GALLERY OF ART, WASHINGTON, D.C.