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King Bhojaraja tries in vain to ascertain the whereabouts of the pearl from the four travelling companions, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Twelfth Night

c. 1560
(reigned 1556–1605)
gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Overall: 20.3 x 14 cm (8 x 5 1/2 in.); Painting only: 7.5 x 10.1 cm (2 15/16 x 4 in.)
Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry 1962.279.97.b
Location: not on view
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Did You Know?

The king’s trellised kulahdar turban is a vestige of pre-Akbar painting styles.

Description

  1. Having arrived at the king's court, the streetcleaner laments that his priceless pearl was stolen, but he knows not by whom. The king summons the four travelers, but in spite of severe threats, none admits to the crime. The king sits on a golden seat with tent-like trappings behind him while an attendant holds the parasol of royalty over his head. Unable to discern who stole the pearl, the king calls for his clever daughter "who was so intelligent and resourceful in solving problems that she had instilled humility even in cunning and sagacious men." She related a story. From each of their reactions to the story, she was able to identify the thief, and the pearl was recovered.
King Bhojaraja tries in vain to ascertain the whereabouts of the pearl from the four travelling companions, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Twelfth Night

King Bhojaraja tries in vain to ascertain the whereabouts of the pearl from the four travelling companions, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Twelfth Night

c. 1560

Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)

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