Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page

The page contains narrative prose typical of the *Tuti‑nama*, a collection of moral and romantic stories conveyed through the voice of a parrot. The text, though not illustrated here, would have guided readers through allegorical episodes intended to entertain and instruct, reflecting the literary tastes of a courtly audience.

The calligraphic work is executed in black ink on a prepared parchment or paper support, employing a cursive script characteristic of mid‑sixteenth‑century Persian manuscript production. Fine brushwork creates delicate swirls and terminal ornaments, while the muted beige substrate provides a gentle contrast that emphasizes the ink without overwhelming the composition.

Commissioned by Prince Salim, a prominent patron of the arts in the Safavid period, the page was created as part of a larger codex. After changing hands over the centuries, it entered the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as an example of Persian literary art from the mid‑1500s.

The *Tuti‑nama* belongs to a tradition of illustrated storybooks that flourished in the Islamic world, where text and ornamentation were closely integrated. Produced during a time of vibrant cultural exchange in Safavid Iran, the manuscript reflects the court’s investment in literary production and the aesthetic values of refined calligraphy.