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 object is a single leaf from the illustrated manuscript *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama).
About this work
Overview
This object is a single leaf from the illustrated manuscript *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama). The page consists solely of dense black calligraphy set against a warm, slightly yellowed paper surface, framed by a thin red margin that defines the text block. No decorative images accompany the script, emphasizing its literary function.
Subject & Meaning
The text is written in Persian and was composed for Prince Salim, a patron of the arts in the early modern period. The narrative content, typical of the *Tuti‑nama* tradition, presents moral and didactic stories conveyed through the voice of a parrot, inviting a contemplative, leisurely reading.
Technique & Style
Calligraphic execution displays a refined, flowing hand, with each line meticulously spaced to guide the reader’s eye from top to bottom. The red border, applied with a fine brush, serves both as a visual frame and as a subtle decorative element, contrasting with the black ink without overwhelming the text.
History & Provenance
The manuscript leaf originates from a larger codex created for the princely court, likely in the 16th‑17th century. Over time the paper has acquired a patina of age, evident in its yellowed tone and frayed edges. The page entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s Persian manuscript holdings.
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
