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

Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page, unspecified, 1560
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page, unspecified, 1560

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 illuminated page belongs to the manuscript known as *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama).

About this work

Overview

This illuminated page belongs to the manuscript known as *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama). Rendered in dense black ink upon a light, aged paper, the text is organized in orderly rows, punctuated by occasional larger or bolder characters. A narrow red border encloses the sheet, and marginal boxes at the lower edge contain supplemental notes.

Subject & Meaning

The manuscript records a collection of stories composed for a young prince named Salim. The careful, legible script reflects the high regard in which the narrative was held, indicating that each word was intended to be read and preserved with precision.

Technique & Style

The page exemplifies traditional Persian manuscript practice: fine, flowing black ink strokes form the calligraphy, while a thin red line provides a decorative frame. The marginal boxes, set in a smaller scale, suggest a hierarchical organization of the main narrative and ancillary commentary.

History & Provenance

The work forms part of a larger codex that has been catalogued by institutions such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, which holds comparable pages. Its creation for a princely patron situates the manuscript within the courtly literary culture of its time.

Artist & collection

VISUALLY SIMILAR

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.