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

The object is a single folio from the illustrated manuscript Tales of a Parrot (Tuti‑nama). It consists of a paper page densely covered with black calligraphic script arranged in orderly rows, bordered on all sides by a thin decorative strip of red and blue pigment. The paper shows signs of age, including faded or missing ink in places, indicating its historic nature.

The text on the page forms part of a narrative composed for Prince Salim, a royal patron. The story, known as Tales of a Parrot, was intended as both entertainment and moral instruction, reflecting the courtly culture that valued literary refinement and the didactic role of storytelling in elite circles.

Tales of a Parrot belongs to a genre of illustrated literary works that combined prose, poetry, and moral lessons, often commissioned by royalty to showcase cultural sophistication. The manuscript reflects the broader artistic milieu of Persian courts, where calligraphy, miniature painting, and decorative borders were integrated to create cohesive, luxurious objects.