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Figure of Harpy

12th–early 13th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 453
The harpy, or fantastic human-headed bird, was a common motif in many parts of the Muslim world. In Iran it was adapted in the twelfth century as a motif on wares in a variety of media. This example is unusual for its large size.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Figure of Harpy
  • Date: 12th–early 13th century
  • Geography: Made in Iran
  • Medium: Stonepaste; luster-painted on opaque white glaze, molded and applied decoration
  • Dimensions: H. 25 1/4 in. (64.1 cm)
    W. 22 in. (55.9 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Cora Timken Burnett Collection of Persian Miniatures and Other Persian Art Objects, Bequest of Cora Timken Burnett, 1956
  • Object Number: 57.51.1
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
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Luster Bowl with Winged Horse, Stonepaste; luster-painted on opaque monochrome glaze
Luster Bowl with Winged Horse
late 12th century
Turquoise Bowl with Lute Player and Audience, Stonepaste; glazed (opaque monochrome), in-glaze- and overglaze-painted, gilded
Turquoise Bowl with Lute Player and Audience
late 12th–early 13th century
Pierced Jug with Harpies and Sphinxes, Stonepaste; openwork, underglaze-painted, glazed in transparent turquoise
Pierced Jug with Harpies and Sphinxes
dated 612 AH/1215–16 CE
Mihrab (Prayer Niche), Mosaic of polychrome-glazed cut tiles on stonepaste body; set into mortar
Mihrab (Prayer Niche)
dated 755 AH/1354–55 CE
Ewer, Brass; raised, repoussé, inlaid with silver and a black compound
Ewer
ca. 1180–1210

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