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 single folio from the illustrated manuscript *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama).
About this work
Overview
The object is a single folio from the illustrated manuscript *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama). Rendered in black ink on a pale paper support, the page is densely covered with text arranged in orderly rectangular columns, with occasional lines emphasized in blue pigment.
Subject & Meaning
The manuscript was composed as a literary work for Prince Salim, presenting a collection of stories narrated by a parrot. The highlighted passages likely denote passages of particular narrative or instructional importance within the tale.
Technique & Style
The calligraphy displays a refined, flowing hand characteristic of Persian courtly scripts, executed with a fine brush. The use of blue ink to accentuate select lines demonstrates a subtle decorative strategy, while the overall layout reflects a disciplined, grid‑like organization of text.
History & Provenance
Created for a Mughal patron, the folio eventually entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is currently held and displayed as part of the museum’s Asian manuscript holdings.
Context
*Tales of a Parrot* belongs to a tradition of illustrated narrative manuscripts produced for elite audiences in the Indian subcontinent during the early modern period, combining literary content with elaborate calligraphic presentation.
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