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The parrot laughs on hearing the Raja of Ujjain’s wife admire her beauty in a mirror, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot: Forty-sixth Night — Anonymous, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)

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Written by: Arda ArslanSpecialist · Miniature Painting
Miniature Painting · Catalogue no. 19166
Anonymous, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)

The parrot laughs on hearing the Raja of Ujjain’s wife admire her beauty in a mirror, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot: Forty-sixth Night

StatusReference work · Not for sale
Held byCleveland Museum of Art
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The raja’s wife claims to be the most beautiful woman in the world. The parrot laughs at her arrogance and tells them of a girl living in an underground kingdom whose beauty is incomparable. From the parrot’s words alone, the raja becomes obsessed with the girl and leaves to seek her company.

Artist / MakerAnonymous, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)
Datec. 1560
Culture / OriginMughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)
Mediumgum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
DimensionsOverall: 20.3 x 14 cm (8 x 5 1/2 in.); Painting only: 13.3 x 9.8 cm (5 1/4 x 3 7/8 in.)
DepartmentIndian and Southeast Asian Art
TypePainting
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Provenance & Source

Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.

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