Artwork

The prince, with the help of Mukhlis who changes into a frog, recovers the ring lost in the sea, and returns it to the king, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighteenth Night

The prince, with the help of Mukhlis who changes into a frog, recovers the ring lost in the sea, and returns it to the king, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighteenth Night 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.

About this work

If you like this, look up Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605) for more paintings from the same world.

You see a prince handing a ring to a king on a throne, while a frog watches from a walled harbor.

This painting comes from a book of parrot tales made for Emperor Akbar’s court. The frog isn’t just decoration—it’s a servant who shape-shifted to dive for the lost ring. The artist filled the scene with tiny details: lotus flowers swirling in the water, a boatman bailing his boat.

If you like this, look up Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605) for more paintings from the same world.

Overview

This 18th-century painting illustrates a narrative from the Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot), depicting a prince's successful retrieval of a king's lost ring with the aid of a shape-shifting servant, Mukhlis, who transforms into a frog.

Subject & Meaning

The scene conveys themes of loyalty and ingenuity. The prince, having pledged service to the king, demonstrates his commitment by recovering the lost ring, highlighting the value of devotion and clever resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.

Technique & Style

Characterized by meticulous detail, the painting features swirling water with lotus flowers, a boating figure, and architectural elements, showcasing the refined, observant style typical of Mughal court art during the period.

History & Provenance

Originating from a Tuti-nama manuscript created for Emperor Akbar's court (r. 1556–1605), this painting reflects the cultural and artistic patronage of the Mughal Empire during its flourishing period.

Context

Part of a larger illustrated book, this work is contextualized within the literary and artistic traditions of Mughal India, where such tales served both entertainment and moral instruction for the imperial family and nobility.