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 artifact is a painted page from the Persian manuscript known as the Tales of a Parrot (Tuti‑nama).
About this work
Overview
This artifact is a painted page from the Persian manuscript known as the Tales of a Parrot (Tuti‑nama). Executed on light, aged paper, the surface is covered with flowing black ink that forms the narrative text, while decorative elements such as a blue underline and thin bordering frames give the page a refined appearance.
Subject & Meaning
The inscribed passage appears to be a segment of a story, likely intended for a high‑ranking recipient such as a prince. The careful composition and ornamental touches suggest the text was meant to be both read and cherished as a visual object, reflecting the cultural value placed on literary art in its original context.
Technique & Style
The page demonstrates a disciplined hand of calligraphy, with the main script arranged in tidy lines across the upper half of the sheet. Beneath, smaller blocks of text are set within delicate borders, and a single word is highlighted by a thin blue underline, indicating a nuanced use of color to guide the reader's attention.
Context
The paper shows typical signs of age: faint stains, minor tears at the edges, and a general wear that attests to its long history. Despite these imperfections, the ink remains largely intact, preserving the legibility of the narrative and the integrity of the decorative framing.
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