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. The object is a painted page from the manuscript known as Tales of a Parrot (Tuti‑nama).
About this work
Overview
The object is a painted page from the manuscript known as Tales of a Parrot (Tuti‑nama). It consists of a rectangular sheet covered in black calligraphic script, bordered by a thin red line that frames the text. The composition is orderly, with the writing arranged in uniform rows and occasional boxed sections highlighted in lighter ink.
Subject & Meaning
The black script records a narrative, likely a didactic or entertaining story, possibly intended for a young audience or a patron of status. The presence of decorative framing and careful lettering suggests the text was meant to be both readable and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the cultural value placed on literary presentation.
Technique & Style
The page employs ink on a painted surface, with the primary text rendered in a deliberate, flowing hand that includes elongated and looped characters for visual effect. Subtle accents of blue and gold appear at the upper and side margins, providing a faint decorative border that complements the dominant red frame.
History & Provenance
The page originates from the Tuti‑nama tradition, a genre of illustrated Persian manuscripts that recount moral tales. While specific details of its creation and ownership are not provided, such works were typically produced in the Safavid period for elite patrons and later entered museum collections, including institutions such as the Cleveland Museum of Art.
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