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

The calligraphic script appears to be hand‑drawn, rendered in black pigment that has darkened with age. Thin red and gold ornamental borders surround the text, while marginal notes or signatures are added in smaller lines at the bottom, indicating a layered approach to composition.

Created for Prince Salim, the page reflects the patronage practices of the period in which the *Tuti‑nama* was produced. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition, though the precise chain of ownership before its museum entry is not detailed in the available records.

Manuscript illustration was a prominent art form in the region, combining literary content with visual embellishment. The use of red and gold framing aligns with contemporary decorative conventions intended to highlight the importance of the text for a princely audience.