Artwork

The Parrot Addresses Khujasta at the Beginning of the Fifteenth Night, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot)

The Parrot Addresses Khujasta at the Beginning of the Fifteenth Night, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot) is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work portrays a seated woman within an interior space, surrounded by vivid hues and elaborate decorative motifs.

About this work

Overview

The work portrays a seated woman within an interior space, surrounded by vivid hues and elaborate decorative motifs. She wears a long, flowing robe embellished with floral patterns, her dark hair arranged in an elegant updo. A small, finely detailed bed occupies a corner, while the floor is covered with dark brown tiles, contributing to an overall sense of richness.

Subject & Meaning

At the woman's hand perches a diminutive parrot, a motif that introduces a playful element to the otherwise formal scene. The bird’s presence may allude to the narrative source—a tale from the Tuti-nama, a collection of parrot stories—suggesting a moment of dialogue or address within the story’s context.

Technique & Style

The painter employs a saturated palette of reds, blues, and earth tones, using intricate patterning on walls and textiles to create visual depth. Fine brushwork renders the bird’s feathers and the textile designs, while the contrast between the bright background and the darker floor enhances spatial perception.

Context

The composition reflects the decorative aesthetic typical of Persian miniature traditions, where narrative scenes are set against richly patterned interiors. Such works often combine literary subjects with detailed ornamental environments, emphasizing both storytelling and visual splendor.