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 manuscript *Tales of a Parrot*, a work commissioned for Prince Salim.
About this work
Overview
This illuminated page originates from the manuscript *Tales of a Parrot*, a work commissioned for Prince Salim. Executed as a painted page, it now belongs to the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The page consists entirely of flowing black calligraphy that narrates a story from the collection. The dense arrangement of the text, with occasional larger characters, creates a visual rhythm that guides the viewer through the tale.
Technique & Style
The script is rendered in black pigment on a light tan ground, framed by a thin border in red and blue. The variation in letter size and the careful hand of the scribe demonstrate a refined approach to decorative writing typical of courtly manuscripts.
History & Provenance
Commissioned for Prince Salim, the manuscript reflects the patronage of elite Persian courts. The page eventually entered the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s 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
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