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 object is a single folio from the Persian manuscript *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama).
About this work
Overview
The object is a single folio from the Persian manuscript *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama). Rendered on a light‑colored paper, the page is dominated by dense black calligraphic script organized into tidy rectangular columns. Select words receive a delicate blue highlight, offering a modest visual contrast within the otherwise monochrome layout.
Subject & Meaning
The text presents a narrative episode from the *Tuti‑nama*, a collection of moral and romantic stories traditionally illustrated for elite audiences. The highlighted passages likely indicate key moral points or poetic verses, underscoring the manuscript’s didactic purpose and the cultural emphasis on the interplay of literature and visual ornamentation.
Technique & Style
The calligraphy is executed in a refined Persian script, with uniform strokes that create a flowing yet controlled appearance. The blue accents are applied with a fine pigment, probably lapis or azurite, applied sparingly to draw attention without disrupting the overall harmony. The layout reflects a disciplined grid system typical of Safavid‑era book production.
History & Provenance
The folio originates from a Persian manuscript tradition that flourished between the 16th and 18th centuries. While the precise date of this page is not specified, its stylistic features align with Safavid courtly manuscripts. The sheet now resides in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, acquired as part of its broader holdings of Islamic book arts.
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
