Persian mythical creature (now called "Stuart")

[jupiter_jones]

Maybe someone here can help. My friend wants to know what these "animals" are. Maybe anyone can tell me?

Comments

[karohemd]

If it weren't for the horns, I'd say gryphon/griffin but I'm unsure.
If this post wasn't locked, I could pass on the link.

[martinhesselius]

Dunno.
My best guess has always been that gryphons/cherubim are related.
Kinda reminds me of the two cherubs facing each other on the Hebrew Ark of the Covenant.

[jupiter_jones]

unlocked. thanks

[bibliogirl]

I think they might be winged goats. There's one depicted on this page on an Iranian stamp showing an artifact from Persepolis...

[kit_hartford]

I know the Persians had a form a sphinx, and that in Egypt the ram-headed variety is called a kriosphinx (or criosphinx).

[bateleur]

I thought the style looked vaguely Mesopotamian, but a quick flick through my reference book suggests otherwise. All the elements are stylistically right (or nearly so), but I can't find any evidence of winged goats.

Is it possible these creatures have been made up by some contemporary artist with no specific source in mind?

[fractalgeek]

The BM has something they describe as a horned lion/griffin.

OTOH, this is the original "Stuart"