Islamic Harpy in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, August 2019

Figure of Harpy
12th–early 13th century


Object Details

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)
L. 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

Accession Number: 57.51.1


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.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/451390