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. The object is a painted page from the Persian manuscript *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama).
About this work
Overview
The object is a painted page from the Persian manuscript *Tales of a Parrot* (Tuti‑nama). Rendered on a light, aged paper, the surface is covered entirely with dense black calligraphy that runs from margin to margin, framed by a subtle border. The page’s surface shows the patina of age, including faint brown spotting that indicates its antiquity.
Subject & Meaning
The text on the page forms part of a narrative created for Prince Salim, a royal patron. The story, known as *Tales of a Parrot*, is a collection of moral and romantic anecdotes, and the careful arrangement of the script reflects the importance placed on the literary content within the courtly context.
Technique & Style
The calligraphic script is executed in a smooth, curved hand typical of Persian manuscript illumination, using black ink applied with a fine brush. The uniformity of the lettering and the balanced composition demonstrate the high level of training of the scribe, while the faint decorative border hints at a restrained ornamental approach.
History & Provenance
The page originates from a manuscript commissioned for Prince Salim, likely in the Safavid period, and has since entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Its preservation on aged paper, together with the museum’s acquisition records, confirms its status as a surviving fragment of a larger illustrated codex.
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
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page