Artwork

The Parrot Addresses Khujasta at the Beginning of the Thirtieth Night, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot)

The Parrot Addresses Khujasta at the Beginning of the Thirtieth Night, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot) is an unspecified painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting illustrates a scene from the Tuti-nama, a collection of tales told by a wise parrot.

About this work

The tiny details, like the gold in her jewelry and the night sky’s swirls, show how carefully these books were made.

A bright green parrot perches on a branch, talking to a woman in a red dress under a starry sky. She leans in, listening closely.

This painting comes from a book of parrot tales told in the Mughal court. The parrot isn’t just a pet—he’s a storyteller, keeping the woman from sneaking out at night. The tiny details, like the gold in her jewelry and the night sky’s swirls, show how carefully these books were made.

To see more art like this, look up Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605).

Overview

This painting illustrates a scene from the Tuti-nama, a collection of tales told by a wise parrot. It depicts a moment from the thirtieth night, where the parrot advises Khujasta before she leaves her home.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows Khujasta, a woman in a red dress, consulting with the parrot, Tuti, as she prepares to meet her lover. The parrot recounts a story of a woman and her children's encounter with a leopard, cautioning Khujasta.

Technique & Style

The painting features intricate details, such as the gold accents in Khujasta's jewelry and the swirling patterns in the night sky. The parrot is rendered in bright green, perched on a branch, engaging Khujasta in conversation.

Context

This artwork is part of a manuscript produced for the Mughal court, highlighting the cultural significance of storytelling and the role of the parrot as a narrator.