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

The object is a single leaf from a manuscript titled Tales of a Parrot (Tuti‑nama). It consists of a rectangular page with a beige parchment background, framed by a narrow red border. The text is rendered in black ink using a flowing hand, with occasional words underlined or highlighted in red for emphasis.

The manuscript employs traditional calligraphic techniques: black iron‑gall ink for the main script and vermilion pigment for decorative accents. The script is cursive, allowing for smooth, continuous strokes, while the red border frames the text, providing visual balance and a subtle ornamental touch.

Animal fable collections such as Tuti‑nama were commonly used for moral instruction and entertainment in courtly and scholarly circles. The inclusion of a parrot, a symbol of eloquence and mimicry, reflects the cultural value placed on storytelling and the transmission of ethical lessons through animal characters.