Artwork
The hunter offers the mother parrot to the king of Kamarupa, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fifth Night
The hunter offers the mother parrot to the king of Kamarupa, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fifth Night is an unspecified painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Basawan. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The miniature illustrates a scene from a fifteenth‑century Tuti‑nama, a collection of parrot stories commissioned for Emperor Akbar.
About this work
You see a hunter handing a bright green parrot to a seated king, while courtiers watch under a golden sky.
You see a hunter handing a bright green parrot to a seated king, while courtiers watch under a golden sky.
This scene comes from a book of parrot tales made for Emperor Akbar. The king in the story had leprosy, and the hunter promised the parrot knew a cure. The artist signed his name in tiny script along the right edge—proof he was proud of the work.
To see more paintings like this, look up Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605).
Overview
The miniature illustrates a scene from a fifteenth‑century Tuti‑nama, a collection of parrot stories commissioned for Emperor Akbar. In the image a hunter presents a vivid green mother parrot to a seated monarch of Kamarupa, while courtiers observe beneath a gilded sky.
Subject & Meaning
According to the narrative, the Kamarupa king suffers from leprosy, and the hunter claims the captured parrot possesses a remedy. The exchange suggests a transaction of hope and desperation, with the hunter’s expectant posture hinting at a substantial reward.
Technique & Style
The painting is distinguished by extensive gold leaf, indicating an expensive manuscript production. The hunter is rendered in modest, softly draped attire, his figure bent forward with a nuanced expression. A flowing red curtain, a recurring element in the artist’s work, frames the scene, while a glimpse of forest foliage hints at the parrot’s eventual escape.
Context
The work is attributed to Basavana, whose name appears in miniature script along the right margin. His signature confirms his authorship and reflects the pride taken in the execution of this courtly illustration.
Artist & collection
Artist
Basāwan, or Basāvan, was an Indian miniature painter in the Mughal style. He was known by his contemporaries as a skilled colorist and keen observer of human nature, and for his use of portraiture in the illustrations…
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