Collection Online as of June 28, 2022
The painting made by the vizier of the emperor of China for the queen of Rum, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Thirty-ninth Night
Part of a set. See all set records
Mughal India, court of Akbar
(reigned 1556–1605)
Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Overall: 20.3 x 14 cm (8 x 5 1/2 in.); Painting only: 14.1 x 10.1 cm (5 9/16 x 4 in.)
Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry 1962.279.256.b
Location
not on view
Fun Fact
The stag is depicted as a black antelope, which was a symbol for sacrifice in ancient India.
Description
Rather than depicting a scene from the story, this page reproduces the painting done by the vizier. The image shows the emperor of China watching from his palace as a stag and his young are swept away in a flood. Beside the rushing water, a doe runs from danger. After seeing this image, the queen agrees to marry the emperor.