The magic parrot of the merchant talks to the vizier’s son, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Tenth Night

c. 1560

The magic parrot of the merchant talks to the vizier’s son, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Tenth Night, c. 1560. Lalu. Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper; painting only: 7.3 x 10.2 cm (2 7/8 x 4 in.); overall: 20 x 13.2 cm (7 7/8 x 5 3/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry 1962.279.84.b The talking parrot, perched on the finger of the merchant, reveals his experience of being repeatedly traded for replicas. These many trades have spoiled the bet between the merchant and the vizier’s son. Members of the vizier’s court react to the story with shock. Together the two men ultimately confront the treacherous monk and their deceptive wives. The figure on the left touches his mouth in a gesture of surprise.