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. This object is a single folio from the Persian manuscript *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama).
About this work
Overview
This object is a single folio from the Persian manuscript *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama). The page is composed entirely of calligraphic text rendered in black ink, accented with occasional blue strokes, and enclosed by a narrow red margin. The paper exhibits signs of age, including slight wear and brown spotting along the lower edge.
Subject & Meaning
The manuscript narrates a series of moral and didactic stories, traditionally conveyed through the voice of a parrot. The dense arrangement of the script reflects the high value placed on calligraphy as both a literary and visual art form in Persian culture, where the elegance of the letters contributes to the work’s didactic purpose.
Technique & Style
The calligrapher employed a flowing black ink, likely using a reed pen, to produce tightly spaced, uniform letters. Blue pigment highlights specific passages or decorative elements, while a thin red border defines the text block. The paper, a handmade rag stock, shows the characteristic texture and slight discoloration typical of medieval Persian codices.
History & Provenance
The page now resides in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, acquired as part of its broader holdings of Islamic decorative arts.
The folio originates from a Persian manuscript tradition that flourished between the 14th and 16th centuries. Though the precise date and place of production are not recorded, the style of the script and the use of red and blue accents align with Safavid-era manuscript practices. The page now resides in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, acquired as part of its broader holdings of Islamic decorative 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
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