Collection Online as of February 1, 2023
The goldsmith judged; the bear cubs trained by the carpenter as though they were his sons, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Third Night
Part of a set. See all set records
Mughal India, court of Akbar
(reigned 1556–1605)
Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Painting only: 10.2 x 10.5 cm (4 x 4 1/8 in.); Overall: 20 x 13.7 cm (7 7/8 x 5 3/8 in.)
Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry 1962.279.23.a
Location
not on view
Description
In the upper-left corner, the goldsmith and the carpenter have dinner with their wives and children. The greedy goldsmith has robbed the carpenter who, in revenge, abducts the goldsmith’s sons and replaces them with two bear cubs. Below, the bears rub their faces against the goldsmith’s sleeves, proving to the judge that they must be the man’s transformed children.