Artwork
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work consists of a single leaf from the illustrated manuscript known as *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama).
About this work
Overview
The work consists of a single leaf from the illustrated manuscript known as *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama). Rendered as a painted page, it displays black calligraphic text set against a light‑tan vellum background, framed by a narrow decorative border. The surface shows signs of age, including slight discoloration and wear, indicating its historic origin.
Subject & Meaning
The page contains narrative prose written in an unidentified language, likely a literary or didactic tale typical of the *Tuti‑nama* tradition. The flowing script, with its ornamental flourishes, suggests a focus on the visual elegance of the text as much as on its content, reflecting a cultural emphasis on the aesthetic presentation of written stories.
Technique & Style
The artist employed ink on a prepared parchment, using a fine brush to execute a continuous, cursive hand. The thin border framing the text is painted with restrained linear decoration, complementing the script without overwhelming it. The overall style aligns with manuscript illumination practices where the calligrapher’s hand is both functional and decorative.
History & Provenance
The leaf originates from a manuscript dating to the early modern period, though the precise date and place of production remain uncertain. Its current condition—marked by age‑related discoloration and marginal wear—indicates long-term handling. The piece is now part of a museum collection that acquired it through a private sale of historic books and manuscripts.
Artist & collection
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page