The prince and Nikfal are joined by Khalis and the Mukhlis who are the grateful snake and frog in human form, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighteenth Night
Unknown Artist
c. 1560
Medium
gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Dimensions
20.3 × 14 cm · painting only: 8.2 × 10 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry
Accession Number
1962.279.134.b
About this artwork
The prince, wearing yellow pants, with Nikfal (Good Fortune) by his side, looks back to see two men approaching. They introduce themselves as the cobra, whom the prince fed from his own flesh, and the frog, whose life he saved. They took on human forms and pledged to be his servants until they have returned the favor of his kindness. At the bottom of the page is the edge of a pool painted in silver paint that has tarnished black. Grass and poppies grow on its banks. The otherwise arid landscape ...