Artwork
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The object is a single folio from the illustrated manuscript Tales of a Parrot (Tuti‑nama).
About this work
Overview
The object is a single folio from the illustrated manuscript Tales of a Parrot (Tuti‑nama). Rendered in black ink on a pale paper support, the page is densely covered with text arranged in orderly rectangular columns, with occasional lines emphasized in blue pigment.
Subject & Meaning
The manuscript was composed as a literary work for Prince Salim, presenting a collection of stories narrated by a parrot. The highlighted passages likely denote passages of particular narrative or instructional importance within the tale.
Technique & Style
The calligraphy displays a refined, flowing hand characteristic of Persian courtly scripts, executed with a fine brush. The use of blue ink to accentuate select lines demonstrates a subtle decorative strategy, while the overall layout reflects a disciplined, grid‑like organization of text.
History & Provenance
Created for a Mughal patron, the folio eventually entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is currently held and displayed as part of the museum’s Asian manuscript holdings.
Context
Tales of a Parrot belongs to a tradition of illustrated narrative manuscripts produced for elite audiences in the Indian subcontinent during the early modern period, combining literary content with elaborate calligraphic presentation.
Artist & collection
- Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page