Plate

Mythical creatures composed of the parts of different creatures, such as this winged beast, have a long history in the art and thought of the ancient Near East. Sometimes these creatures played a positive role in the human world as protective or guardian spirits. Evil forces could also take various beastly forms, including demons, monsters, serpents, and dragons.

Zoroastrian texts mention mythical creatures with supernatural powers, such as the senmurv, a combination of bird and dog or lion. Winged animals (especially horses) and the senmurv are depicted in Sasanian art in a variety of media, including architectural stucco decoration, silver plates, patterned textiles, and engraved sealstones. In this example, the creature's pose is perfectly adapted to the circular field of the plate.