
Click image to view full screen
Khalis repays the prince for his kindness by changing into a snake and sucking the poison from the king’s daughter, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighteenth Night
✓ Authenticity guarantee · ✓ Specialist condition report · ✓ Insured worldwide shipping · ✓ Private-room viewing
The prince looks on in amazement as his snake companion resumes his original form and saves the life of the princess, who was dying from a poisonous snake bite. The snake owed the prince a favor, since the prince had cut a piece of his own flesh to feed him and his mate. After the girl was restored to health, the prince married her and became viceroy to the king. His three companions, Good Fortune, the snake, and the frog, having fulfilled their obligation, then bid him farewell.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605) |
|---|---|
| Date | c. 1560 |
| Culture / Origin | Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605) |
| Medium | gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper |
| Dimensions | Overall: 20.3 x 14 cm (8 x 5 1/2 in.); Painting only: 6.5 x 10.2 cm (2 9/16 x 4 in.) |
| Department | Indian and Southeast Asian Art |
| Type | Painting |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
Fine-art shipping with climate control and full insurance to over 120 countries; collection by appointment.
Buying at Matchless Pieces
Register, verify your identity, and bid online or in a private room. Buyer’s premium and taxes are shown before you confirm.
You May Also Like

Anonymous, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page
Anonymous, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)
Tuti-Nama (Tales of a Parrot)
Anonymous, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)
Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page