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 page from the illustrated manuscript known as *Tuti‑nama* (Tales of a Parrot).
About this work
Overview
This object is a single page from the illustrated manuscript known as *Tuti‑nama* (Tales of a Parrot). The sheet consists of paper that shows signs of age, such as small spots and irregular edges, and is bordered by a thin gold line. The surface is filled with dense black calligraphy, accented in places with red and blue pigments.
Subject & Meaning
The script appears to be a narrative passage, likely part of a larger story recounted in the *Tuti‑nama* tradition. The text is rendered in a careful, flowing hand, suggesting it was intended for a literate audience familiar with the language and the tale’s cultural context.
Technique & Style
The page demonstrates a combination of textual and decorative elements typical of Persian manuscript production. Black ink forms the main body of the script, while selective red and blue highlights emphasize particular words or sections. The gold border frames the composition, adding a subtle ornamental touch without overwhelming the text.
History & Provenance
The manuscript page was created for Prince Salim, a member of the Mughal court, indicating patronage by a high‑ranking individual. Its survival on aged paper suggests it was valued enough to be preserved, though the precise chain of ownership after its creation remains undocumented.
Context
*Tuti‑nama* is a Persian literary genre that blends moral instruction with entertaining anecdotes, often illustrated with miniature paintings. This page belongs to that tradition, reflecting the courtly taste for elaborate storytelling and the integration of visual and textual arts during the Mughal period.
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