Artwork

The daughter of the king of the jinns bows before the King of Kings who has just undergone the ordeal of passing through the boiling oil to emerge as a youth, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Seventh Night

The daughter of the king of the jinns bows before the King of Kings who has just undergone the ordeal of passing through the boiling oil to emerge as a youth, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Seventh 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. This painting illustrates a scene from the Tuti-nama, a collection of parrot tales created for Emperor Akbar's court.

About this work

You see a king in orange standing in a pit of boiling oil, while a young woman and an old man bow before him.

You see a king in orange standing in a pit of boiling oil, while a young woman and an old man bow before him.

This painting comes from a book of parrot tales made for Emperor Akbar’s court. The story shows the king proving his power by surviving fire—then using magic to restore the old man’s youth. The bright colors and tiny details are typical of Mughal art, where every brushstroke tells part of the tale.

To see more like this, look up Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605).

Overview

This painting illustrates a scene from the Tuti-nama, a collection of parrot tales created for Emperor Akbar's court. It depicts a king rejuvenated after surviving boiling oil, surrounded by figures from the narrative.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows the King of Kings, now youthful, standing in a pit with the daughter of the king of the jinns and her elderly lover, as a Brahman looks on. The king is about to restore the old man's youth using an elixir of life.

Technique & Style

The work is characterized by bright colors and intricate details, hallmarks of Mughal art. The level of detail suggests a high level of craftsmanship, with every brushstroke contributing to the narrative.

Context

The Tuti-nama was produced during Akbar's reign (1556–1605), a period significant for the development of Mughal art and culture. The painting reflects the artistic and storytelling traditions of the Mughal court.