The bird of seven colors brings a sable to the pious man, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fifty-second Night
Unknown Artist
c. 1560
Medium
gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Dimensions
20.3 × 14 cm · painting only: 5.7 × 9.7 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry
Accession Number
1962.279.333.b
About this artwork
The pious man and his wife stare at the fantastic seven-colored bird in surprise. Although it cost the man his final diram, the bird becomes a source of great wealth and prosperity for his family. Every day it leaves and returns with a sable, which the man sells in the market. Soon the man becomes a well-known merchant.