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

The calligraphy displays meticulous hand‑shaped letters, characteristic of the refined Nastaʿlīq script favored in Persian literature of the period. Gold filigree outlines accentuate the margins, and a modest decorative panel at the bottom, divided into two boxed sections, provides visual balance without overwhelming the textual focus.

Created for Prince Salim, likely a member of the Safavid royal family, the page later entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is presently conserved and displayed. Its journey from a private court manuscript to a public institution reflects the broader dispersal of Persian codices in the 20th century.

During the Safavid era (1501–1736), illustrated books served both as luxury objects and as vehicles for cultural transmission. *Tales of a Parrot* fits within this tradition, merging literary storytelling with the visual elegance of calligraphy and modest ornamentation, catering to elite patronage.

The page exemplifies the high level of craftsmanship in Persian manuscript production and offers scholars insight into courtly education and aesthetic preferences of the time. Its preservation allows contemporary audiences to engage directly with the visual and textual culture of Safavid Iran.