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The vizier’s son receives the magic wooden parrot from the wife of the merchant, who is drunk, and has a replica made by a carpenter, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Tenth Night

The vizier’s son receives the magic wooden parrot from the wife of the merchant, who is drunk, and has a replica made by a carpenter, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Tenth Night, unspecified, 1560
The vizier’s son receives the magic wooden parrot from the wife of the merchant, who is drunk, and has a replica made by a carpenter, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Tenth Night, unspecified, 1560

The vizier’s son receives the magic wooden parrot from the wife of the merchant, who is drunk, and has a replica made by a carpenter, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Tenth Night is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work illustrates a moment from the tenth night of the medieval Persian narrative collection Tuti‑nama (Tales of a Parrot).

About this work

History & Provenance

It has been part of the museum’s exhibition program, appearing in displays of Indian miniature painting and related thematic shows on the Tuti-nama tradition.

Created in 1560 within the Mughal Empire, this painting is attributed to an unknown artist. The work entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1962.279.81.b. While the specific circumstances of its original commission or its ownership history prior to museum acquisition are not detailed in the available records, its inception date and place of origin are firmly established.

The work is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under accession number 1962.279.81.b. It has been part of the museum’s exhibition program, appearing in displays of Indian miniature painting and related thematic shows on the Tuti-nama tradition.

The painting was acquired by the museum and entered its collection in 1962. It was featured in the exhibition "Indian Miniatures from the Cleveland Museum of Art," presented at the museum in 1975.

Overview

The work illustrates a moment from the tenth night of the medieval Persian narrative collection Tuti‑nama (Tales of a Parrot). In a vividly decorated interior, a woman in red presents a green parrot to a man in orange, while a kneeling figure in red holds a wooden replica of the bird. A carpenter in green leans over a workbench, suggesting the creation of the duplicate.

Subject & Meaning

The scene captures the exchange of a magical wooden parrot, a gift from the merchant’s wife to the vizier’s son, and the subsequent effort to reproduce it. The juxtaposition of the living bird and its crafted copy underscores themes of imitation, craftsmanship, and the transmission of wonder across social ranks.

Technique & Style

Rendered with a bright palette of reds, oranges, and greens, the painting employs flat decorative surfaces and stylized figures typical of Persian miniature tradition. Architectural elements feature red brickwork trimmed in gold, while the floor displays a geometric pattern that reinforces the overall ornamental scheme.

Context

During the period when the Tuti‑nama was widely copied, illustrated manuscripts served both educational and entertainment purposes, often displayed in courtly settings. This painting reflects the cultural practice of visualizing literary tales, providing insight into contemporary domestic interiors and the social roles of merchants, viziers, and artisans.

The vizier’s son receives the magic wooden parrot from the wife of the merchant, who is drunk, and has a replica made by a carpenter, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Tenth Night
The vizier’s son receives the magic wooden parrot from the wife of the merchant, who is drunk, and has a replica made by a carpenter, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Tenth Night, Lalu

Artist & collection

SAME SUBJECT

Similarity 100 percent

VISUALLY SIMILAR

Similarity 87 percent
This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see The vizier’s son receives the magic wooden parrot from the wife of the merchant, who is drunk, and has a replica made by a carpenter, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Tenth Night?

The vizier’s son receives the magic wooden parrot from the wife of the merchant, who is drunk, and has a replica made by a carpenter, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Tenth Night is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The vizier’s son receives the magic wooden parrot from the wife of the merchant, who is drunk, and has a replica made by a carpenter, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Tenth Night?

The vizier’s son receives the magic wooden parrot from the wife of the merchant, who is drunk, and has a replica made by a carpenter, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Tenth Night is associated with Mughal Painting.