Artwork

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

Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page, by Unknown, unspecified, 1560
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page, by Unknown, unspecified, 1560

Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The object is a painted page from the Persian manuscript known as the Tales of a Parrot (Tuti‑nama).

About this work

Overview

The object is a painted page from the Persian manuscript known as the Tales of a Parrot (Tuti‑nama). Executed on a warm‑toned sheet of paper, the surface is bordered by a thin red line and filled with dense black calligraphy arranged in orderly rows.

Subject & Meaning

The script presents a narrative passage, suggesting the page contains a segment of the story’s text. The careful layout and ornamental details indicate the page was intended for deliberate reading, possibly recited aloud as part of the manuscript’s literary tradition.

Technique & Style

Ink applied in varying intensity creates a visual rhythm, with some strokes appearing bolder while others are slightly faded, characteristic of hand‑written calligraphy. The red border frames the composition, and small boxed sections at the top function as marginal notes or headings, adding a decorative hierarchy to the page.

History & Provenance

The page originates from the illustrated Persian work Tales of a Parrot, a literary collection that circulated in the Islamic world from the 13th to 16th centuries. It is presently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, which maintains a broader assemblage of handwritten books and manuscripts.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.