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 illustrated page from the Persian manuscript known as *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama).
About this work
Overview
This object is a single illustrated page from the Persian manuscript known as *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama). Rendered on a light‑beige sheet of paper, the surface bears dense, flowing black calligraphy arranged in tight horizontal lines and framed by a thin dark border. The paper shows signs of age, including faint spots and wear, indicating its historic origin.
Subject & Meaning
The text on the page forms part of the moral and allegorical narrative of the *Tuti‑nama*, a collection of fables featuring a talking parrot that delivers ethical lessons. The Persian verses, written in a lyrical hand, convey the story’s didactic purpose, reflecting the literary tradition of using animal protagonists to explore human virtues and vices.
Technique & Style
The calligraphic execution demonstrates a refined, decorative script that balances rhythmic flow with spatial economy. The black ink is applied with a fine brush, producing uniform strokes that contrast sharply with the aged, beige substrate. A subtle dark border encloses the text, providing visual containment while enhancing the page’s compositional harmony.
History & Provenance
The page originates from an early modern Persian manuscript tradition, likely produced in a workshop where literary texts were copied for elite patrons. It entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art through acquisition, where it is conserved and displayed as an example of Persian book art and calligraphy.
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