The prince, a son of the ruler of Sistan, enters the service of a snake, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Thirty-seventh Night
Unknown Artist
c. 1560
Medium
gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Dimensions
20.3 × 14 cm · painting only: 8.6 × 10.2 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry
Accession Number
1962.279.245.b
About this artwork
A black snake rises from a hole to greet the prince of Sistan, in southeastern Iran. The prince, who had been wandering destitute through the wilderness has made a vow to serve the next living creature he meets. Although the snake is initially skeptical, he agrees to the arrangement and the prince is ultimately rewarded for his loyalty.