Finial in the Form of a Parrot

17th–18th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 464

The strong sculptural traditions of pre-Islamic India continued to some extent during the later period, when figural elements such as this parrot were used as finials and other types of embellishment. The informal choice of subject and the simplicity of style suggest that this piece probably belonged in a provincial, rather than imperial, court setting. Ubiquitous in Indian life and often depicted in Mughal and Deccan paintings, parrots were also known in literature of the Mughal period, such as in the Tutinama (Tales of a Parrot).

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Finial in the Form of a Parrot
Date: 17th–18th century
Geography: Attributed to Northern India
Medium: Brass
Dimensions: H. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm)
L. 11 in. (27.9 cm)
Classification: Metal
Credit Line: Gift of Robert W. and Lockwood De Forest, 1919
Object Number: 19.135.3
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

Audio

6786. Finial in the Form of a Parrot

Music

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ZEYBA RAHMAN: This parrot is a favorite pet bird, and an emblem of the Moghul love of nature. A devotion to music was also part of the rich culture of the Mogul Empire. Kishori Amonkar sings in the classical Indian Thumri style that was very much a part of this culture. The composition is elegant and romantic and reflects this passion for the natural world. Kishori Amonkar is one of the India’s living treasures of Hindustani classical music. She sings for you here about a little bird sitting on a branch, with the composition “Koyaliya na bole daar.”

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