Artwork

The parrot addresses Khujasta at the beginning of the thirty-sixth night, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot)

The parrot addresses Khujasta at the beginning of the thirty-sixth night, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot), unspecified, 1560
The parrot addresses Khujasta at the beginning of the thirty-sixth night, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot), unspecified, 1560

The parrot addresses Khujasta at the beginning of the thirty-sixth night, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot) is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work portrays a seated woman before a birdcage, a parrot perched atop the cage, and a richly patterned interior.

About this work

History & Provenance

The work was created in 1560 in the Mughal Empire as a painting for the Tuti-nama manuscript, commissioned within that imperial artistic context. Its ownership chain leads to the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it has been part of the collection since at least 1962 under accession number 1962.279.237.a.

Context

The painting originates from the Mughal Empire and was created in 1560, situating it within the broader artistic milieu of that period.

The painting originates from the Mughal Empire and was created in 1560, situating it within the broader artistic milieu of that period. It belongs to the 'Tuti-nama' series, a work of narrative painting associated with Mughal artistic workshops, reflecting the cultural and literary interests of the time. This artwork is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art, highlighting its significance in the study of Mughal art and its transmission across historical contexts.

Overview

The work portrays a seated woman before a birdcage, a parrot perched atop the cage, and a richly patterned interior. She wears an orange skirt, a green blouse and gold ornaments, holding a small object that may be food. Behind her, a blue‑white tiled wall, a red railing and stylised palm fronds complete the setting, all rendered in vivid hues.

Subject & Meaning

The scene is drawn from the opening of the thirty‑sixth night of the Tuti‑nama, a collection of Persian tales featuring a talking parrot. The woman, identified as Khujasta, appears to be addressing the bird, suggesting a narrative moment in which the parrot delivers counsel or storytelling, a common motif in the literary tradition.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the painting employs a flat decorative approach typical of Persian miniature influences, with bold, saturated colours and intricate ornamental patterns. The contrast between the bright orange garment and the cool blue‑white background highlights the central figures, while the detailed rendering of jewelry and foliage reflects meticulous brushwork.

The parrot addresses Khujasta at the beginning of the thirty-fourth night, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot)
The parrot addresses Khujasta at the beginning of the thirty-fourth night, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot)

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see The parrot addresses Khujasta at the beginning of the thirty-sixth night, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot)?

The parrot addresses Khujasta at the beginning of the thirty-sixth night, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The parrot addresses Khujasta at the beginning of the thirty-sixth night, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot)?

The parrot addresses Khujasta at the beginning of the thirty-sixth night, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot) is associated with Mughal Painting.