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Shahr-Arai’s husband bends to kiss his wife who feigns sleep, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fortieth Night

c. 1560

The Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States

Shahr-Arai lies peacefully across the bed after meeting with her lover. She has successfully tricked her husband into believing that the young man is an adopted brother. The foolish and gullible husband kisses Shahr-Arai in gratitude for her perceived loyalty.

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  • Title: Shahr-Arai’s husband bends to kiss his wife who feigns sleep, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Fortieth Night
  • Date Created: c. 1560
  • Physical Dimensions: Overall: 20.3 x 14 cm (8 x 5 1/2 in.); Painting only: 9 x 10.3 cm (3 9/16 x 4 1/16 in.)
  • Provenance: Estate of Breckenridge Long, Bowie, MD, 1959; Harry Burke Antiques, Philadelphia, PA; Bernard Brown, Milwaukee, WI;
  • Type: Painting
  • Rights: CC0
  • External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/1962.279.261.b
  • Medium: gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
  • Fun Fact: The windows of the bedroom are covered by jali, screens with geometric designs which allow a breeze to enter.
  • Department: Indian and Southeast Asian Art
  • Culture: Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry
  • Collection: Indian Art
  • Accession Number: 1962.279.261.b
The Cleveland Museum of Art

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