King Bhojaraja tries in vain to ascertain the whereabouts of the pearl from the four travelling companions, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Twelfth Night

Executed in a miniature painting tradition, the piece employs fine brushwork to render detailed textile patterns and ornamental architecture. A bright palette of primary colors combined with gold leaf creates a luminous surface, while the flattened spatial arrangement and stylized figures align with the Persian‑influenced court aesthetic of the period.

The painting originates from the Indian sub‑continent, likely produced for an aristocratic patron during the era when the Tuti‑nama was popular among elite circles. It entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art through acquisition in the late twentieth century, though earlier ownership records remain sparse.

Courtly narrative paintings such as this were commonly commissioned to accompany literary manuscripts, serving both decorative and didactic purposes. The depiction of King Bhojaraja aligns with the tradition of illustrating moral and political lessons drawn from folklore, reinforcing the ruler’s role as arbiter of truth and wealth.