Artwork

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. The object is a single leaf from the illustrated manuscript known as *Tuti‑nama* (Tales of a Parrot).

About this work

Overview

The object is a single leaf from the illustrated manuscript known as *Tuti‑nama* (Tales of a Parrot). It consists solely of handwritten text set against a light‑colored parchment background. The page measures roughly the size of a typical codex folio and shows signs of age, including surface staining, minor tears, and a softened edge.

Subject & Meaning

The script records a narrative episode from the *Tuti‑nama*, a collection of moral and didactic stories traditionally conveyed through a parrot’s speech. Although the language is not identified here, the text likely follows the work’s customary blend of folklore and ethical instruction, using allegorical dialogue to convey cultural values.

Technique & Style

The text is rendered in black ink with a flowing, cursive hand, characteristic of South‑Asian manuscript traditions. Select words are accentuated in gold pigment, a common practice to highlight key terms or moral points. The page is framed by a decorative border: a narrow red line runs just inside a broader blue band, providing a subtle visual hierarchy.

History & Provenance

The leaf appears to be from an older, possibly pre‑modern, copy of the *Tuti‑nama*, as indicated by its worn condition and the use of gold highlighting. No specific ownership marks are present, suggesting it may have been part of a larger collection that was later disassembled or acquired by a museum or archive.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.