Artwork Page for The origin of music from a fabulous bird of India which had seven holes in its beak, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fourteenth Night

Details / Information for The origin of music from a fabulous bird of India which had seven holes in its beak, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fourteenth Night

The origin of music from a fabulous bird of India which had seven holes in its beak, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fourteenth Night

c. 1560

Mughal India, court of Akbar

(reigned 1556–1605)
View all records in artwork set
Medium
gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Measurements
Overall: 20.2 x 14 cm (7 15/16 x 5 1/2 in.); Painting only: 10 x 10 cm (3 15/16 x 3 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry 1962.279.110.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
Print
?

Did You Know?

The illegible writing on the musician’s book seems derived from an Indian script, rather than Arabic or Persian.

Description

This story tells of a fantastical bird called a qaqnos who emitted sonorous tones from its beak when joyful. From these sounds, the science of music was developed. In the image, a man holding a book in one hand and an instrument called a vina in the other crouches beneath a tasseled canopy. His weapons, a quiver, sword, and shield hang in the tree nearby.
A vertically oriented gum tempera and ink painting on paper depicts a scene framed by calligraphic panels. A figure in white sits on a patterned rug, holding a stringed instrument and small book. To the right, a bird with several holes in its beak perches on a rock near a leafy tree. To the left, a shield and quiver lean against a tree. Bold red, gold, and green tones define the detailed composition.

The origin of music from a fabulous bird of India which had seven holes in its beak, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fourteenth Night

c. 1560

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

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork