Artwork
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): blank page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): blank page is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The object is a single leaf from the manuscript *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama).
About this work
Overview
The object is a single leaf from the manuscript *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama). Unlike the surrounding folios, this sheet contains no text or illustration, presenting a plain surface marked only by a faint central vertical line. Its condition reflects extensive handling, with a yellowed, uneven edge and a speckled, worn paper texture typical of historic codices.
Technique & Style
The page measures the standard dimensions of the codex and is composed of a thin, rag‑based paper that has acquired a pale, yellowish hue over centuries. A subtle, almost invisible line runs vertically through the centre, possibly a guide for later copying. The surface bears numerous minute specks and abrasions, indicating frequent contact and environmental exposure.
Context
*Tales of a Parrot* is a Persian narrative collection, traditionally illustrated and inscribed on paper. This particular folio appears to have been left intentionally blank or left incomplete during production, suggesting a possible interruption in the copying process or a placeholder for a missing illustration.
History & Provenance
The leaf shows signs of age‑related wear, such as edge fraying and surface discoloration, yet remains structurally intact. Its provenance links it to the larger codex held by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where additional folios from the same manuscript are displayed, allowing comparative study of the work’s overall composition and condition.
Legacy
Other pages from *Tales of a Parrot* in the museum’s collection feature richly colored miniatures and calligraphic text, providing contrast to this empty leaf. The juxtaposition highlights the manuscript’s typical production techniques and underscores the significance of even blank spaces within the broader narrative and artistic program.
Artist & collection
