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Artwork

Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page

Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page, unspecified, 1560
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page, unspecified, 1560

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 presents a single page reproduced from an historic manuscript titled *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama).

About this work

Overview

The work presents a single page reproduced from an historic manuscript titled *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama). Rendered as a painting, it depicts the page’s surface, showing black ink calligraphy set against a light‑brown parchment background, with occasional yellow markings that lie outside the main text.

Subject & Meaning

The page contains handwritten text in a script resembling Arabic or Persian, suggesting a literary composition—possibly a narrative or poetic piece—typical of the *tuti‑nama* genre, which traditionally features stories about a talking parrot.

Technique & Style

The calligraphic hand is highly ornamental, characterized by elaborate flourishes and curvilinear forms that demonstrate the scribe’s proficiency with the pen. The painter reproduces these details faithfully, preserving the contrast of deep black ink and the subtle tones of the aged paper.

History & Provenance

The original manuscript dates to an earlier period, though the exact century is not specified. The painted representation likely derives from a direct examination of the source page, indicating an interest in documenting manuscript illumination within a fine‑art context.

Artist & collection

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.