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Illustrated portrait of Ayşe Erdem
Specialist

Ayşe Erdem

Ayşe Erdem writes for the Miniature Painting department at Matchless Pieces, covering the history, makers and collecting of miniature painting.

365Articles
ayse.erdem@matchlesspieces.com
The young man, who has magically taken on the appearance of Mansur the merchant, arrives at his home, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Seventeenth Night — Anonymous, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)

The young man, who has magically taken on the appearance of Mansur the merchant, arrives at his home, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Seventeenth Night

October 10, 2026Portion of Text from the "Wisps of Cloud" (Usugumo) Chapter of The Tale of Genji — Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

Portion of Text from the “Wisps of Cloud” (Usugumo) Chapter of The Tale of Genji

October 10, 2026Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Kings of Hells: Leaf 39 — China, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279)

Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Kings of Hells: Leaf 39

October 10, 2026The invention of musical instruments from the intestines of a monkey, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fourteenth Night — Anonymous, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)

The invention of musical instruments from the intestines of a monkey, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fourteenth Night

October 10, 2026Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Procession of Daoist Deities: Leaf 15 — China, Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279)

Album of Daoist and Buddhist Themes: Procession of Daoist Deities: Leaf 15

October 10, 2026The handmaiden again appeals for justice and the prince is led to the place of execution for the third time, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighth Night — Gujarati

The handmaiden again appeals for justice and the prince is led to the place of execution for the third time, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighth Night

October 10, 2026Krishna Exacts a Toll from the Milkmaids: Dana-Lila, from a Bhagavata Purana — Anonymous, Rajput Kingdom of Bikaner

Krishna Exacts a Toll from the Milkmaids: Dana-Lila, from a Bhagavata Purana

October 10, 2026A prince conversing with a woman while taking refreshments on a terrace (recto); Calligraphy (verso) — Mughal India

A prince conversing with a woman while taking refreshments on a terrace (recto); Calligraphy (verso)

October 10, 2026King Muchukunda Enters the Realm of Mount Gandhamadana to Attain Salvation, from the “Fifth Basohli Bhagavata Purana” — Fattu

King Muchukunda Enters the Realm of Mount Gandhamadana to Attain Salvation, from the “Fifth Basohli Bhagavata Purana”

October 10, 2026The prince and Nikfal are joined by Khalis and the Mukhlis who are the grateful snake and frog in human form, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighteenth Night — Anonymous, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)

The prince and Nikfal are joined by Khalis and the Mukhlis who are the grateful snake and frog in human form, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighteenth Night

October 10, 2026

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