Afandism

The Pot That Gave Birth

Three-panel Persian miniature comic. Panel 1: Afandi, in a saffron robe and white turban, returns a large copper pot to his neighbour with a small pot nestled inside it. Panel 2: The delighted neighbour lends the big pot again, hands open, eyes bright. Panel 3: Afandi spreads his palms in grave sympathy at the neighbour's doorstep, empty-handed, while the neighbour clutches his beard in dismay.

The neighbour believed a pot could give birth; he was less persuaded that it could die.

· Adapted from the Anatolian Nasreddin cycle