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

The calligraphy is executed in a highly ornamental hand, characterized by sweeping curves, intricate flourishes, and a balanced composition. The ink is uniformly black, applied with a reed or bamboo pen, while the paper’s warm tone and subtle wear suggest a handmade, rag‑based support typical of 14th‑ to 16th‑century Persian book production.

The folio originates from an early modern Persian codex, likely produced in a courtly workshop. Its current condition—yellowed, slightly frayed edges, and a faint crease—indicates centuries of handling. The page entered a Western collection during the late 19th century, when many Persian manuscripts were acquired by European collectors and institutions.

*Tuti‑nama* belongs to a broader tradition of illustrated moral compendia that flourished under Timurid and Safavid patronage. Such works combined literary content with elaborate calligraphy, reflecting the high status of the written word in Persian court culture and the emphasis on didactic storytelling as a means of moral education.