The parrot addresses Khujasta at the beginning of the twenty-seventh night, recto of folio 185 from Akbar’s Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot)

The parrot addresses Khujasta at the beginning of the twenty-seventh night, recto of folio 185 from Akbar’s Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot)

c. 1560

Part of a set. See all set records

India, Mughal, Reign of Akbar, 16th century

Opaque watercolor, gold and ink on paper

Overall: 20.1 x 15.3 cm (7 15/16 x 6 in.)

Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry 1962.279.185.a

Location

not on view

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16th-century sari: a backless blouse with belted skirt and separate shawl

Description

Khujasta prepares herself each night to secretly meet her new lover, but before she is able to leave, her pet parrot Tuti cleverly entices her to stay with the tantalizing beginnings of a story. Tuti’s telling of the story takes all night, and by the time he reaches the end, it is too late for her rendezvous.
On this page, from the 27th of 52 nights, Khujasta has been drinking several cups of two kinds of wine—evidenced by the two bottles on the low table before her. A bowl of paan, areca nuts wrapped in betel leaves, has been set out for chewing, freshening breath, and its various pleasurable effects.

See also
Collection: 
Indian Art
Department: 
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Type of artwork: 
Painting
Medium: 
Opaque watercolor, gold and ink on paper
Credit line: 
Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry

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