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 illuminated page originates from the Persian manuscript *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama), a narrative compiled for Prince Salim.
About this work
Overview
This illuminated page originates from the Persian manuscript *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama), a narrative compiled for Prince Salim. Executed on light‑tan paper, the sheet features dense black ink calligraphy organized in orderly horizontal lines, with occasional blue underlining and decorative elements framing the text.
Subject & Meaning
The manuscript recounts a series of moral and romantic tales narrated by a parrot, a literary device common in Persian storytelling. Intended for a princely audience, the content blends entertainment with ethical instruction, reflecting the courtly culture of the Safavid period.
Technique & Style
The calligrapher demonstrates precise line work, employing a flowing script that balances legibility with aesthetic grace. Accents of blue underline specific words, while a thin red border and a blue ornamental header provide visual contrast, highlighting the page’s decorative function alongside its textual purpose.
History & Provenance
Created for Prince Salim, the page remained within the royal collection before entering the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings. The museum’s collection includes several other folios from the same manuscript, offering a broader view of the work’s original composition and artistic context.
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