Landscape with a lotus pool, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot), Eighth Night

“Landscape with a lotus pool, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot), Eighth Night” is a painting created around 1560. It depicts a serene landscape featuring a lotus pool, which is a common motif in Indian art. This work is part of the Tuti-nama, a collection of stories that revolve around a parrot and its lessons on love and morality. The specific audience for this work is not definitively known, but it likely catered to the elite classes who appreciated illustrated manuscripts.

The artwork is executed in gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper. The dimensions of the piece are not specified in the available data. The current condition of the artwork is not detailed, but works from this period are often subject to wear and fading due to their age and the materials used.

The provenance of this painting indicates that it is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it was acquired in 1962. The specific details of its previous ownership or exhibitions before entering the museum’s collection are not provided.

The artist is identified as Gujarati, which refers to the regional style and cultural context from Gujarat, India. The term “Gujarati” in this context likely signifies the artistic traditions and techniques prevalent in the region during the 16th century. Specific details about the individual artist’s identity remain unclear, as many works from this period are often attributed to regional styles rather than named artists.

This artwork is significant as it exemplifies the rich tradition of manuscript painting in India during the Mughal era. The Tuti-nama itself is notable for its narrative structure and moral themes, reflecting the cultural and social values of the time. The use of vibrant colors and intricate details in the landscape showcases the technical skill of the artists involved in its creation. The lotus pool motif is also emblematic of Indian aesthetics, symbolizing purity and beauty within the natural world.