Artwork Page for The magic parrot of the merchant talks to the vizier’s son, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Tenth Night

Details / Information for The magic parrot of the merchant talks to the vizier’s son, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Tenth Night

The magic parrot of the merchant talks to the vizier’s son, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Tenth Night

c. 1560

Lalu

(Indian, active mid-1500s)
View all records in artwork set
Culture
Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)
Medium
gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Measurements
Painting only: 7.3 x 10.2 cm (2 7/8 x 4 in.); Overall: 20 x 13.2 cm (7 7/8 x 5 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry 1962.279.84.b
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

The figure on the left touches his mouth in a gesture of surprise.

Description

The talking parrot, perched on the finger of the merchant, reveals his experience of being repeatedly traded for replicas. These many trades have spoiled the bet between the merchant and the vizier’s son. Members of the vizier’s court react to the story with shock. Together the two men ultimately confront the treacherous monk and their deceptive wives.
A book page features Persian script above and beside a painting of eight men with light to dark skin tones. At center, a man in a blue robe presents a green parrot to a figure seated in orange on a dais. To our left stand four attendants, while two more sit on our right. Wearing colorful turbans and robes, the group gathers against a gold background and an intricate patterned rug.

The magic parrot of the merchant talks to the vizier’s son, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Tenth Night

c. 1560

Lalu

(Indian, active mid-1500s)
Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork