The magic parrot of the merchant talks to the vizier’s son, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Tenth Night c. 1560 Part of a set. See all set records Lalu India, Mughal, Reign of Akbar, 16th century 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.) Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry 1962.279.84.b DID YOU KNOW? The figure on the left touches his mouth in a gesture of surprise. DESCRIPTION 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. INSCRIPTION lālū INSCRIPTION TRANSLATION (by) Lalu PROVENANCE Estate of Breckenridge Long, Bowie, MD, 1959; Harry Burke Antiques, Philadelphia, PA; Bernard Brown, Milwaukee, WI;