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 page is a manuscript leaf from the illustrated storybook *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama).
About this work
Overview
The page is a manuscript leaf from the illustrated storybook *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama). It consists of a single sheet of paper covered in dense Arabic calligraphy rendered in black ink, framed by a thin red border. The paper shows the warm patina of age, with faint brown tones, while occasional words are accentuated in blue or gold pigment.
Subject & Meaning
The text on the leaf forms part of a narrative addressed to Prince Salim, indicating a courtly audience. The inclusion of decorative color highlights suggests an intention to draw attention to particular passages, perhaps names or moral points, underscoring the manuscript’s role as both literary and didactic object for an elite patron.
Technique & Style
The calligraphic script is executed in a compact, orderly hand, typical of Persian manuscript traditions, using flowing black ink on a smooth, slightly textured surface. The red marginal line frames the composition, while the selective use of blue and gold pigments provides visual contrast without disrupting the overall monochrome aesthetic.
History & Provenance
Created for Prince Salim, the page reflects the patronage practices of the Ottoman or Safavid courts, where personalized storybooks were commissioned for royal children. The manuscript’s current location is not specified, but similar works are held in collections such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, indicating its relevance to the study of Persian illustrated literature.
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