Artwork Page for 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

Details / Information for 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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Medium
gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Measurements
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.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry 1962.279.97.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
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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.
A horizontally oriented tempera painting depicts men with medium-light skin tones. On our right, King Bhojaraja sits on a patterned throne beneath a floral canopy, gesturing toward five men on our left in vibrant blue, yellow, pink, and orange garments. One man in a light blue tunic stands in the center with arms extended. Behind the king stands a seventh figure. Persian script borders the top, and geometric patterns cover the floor.

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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