ABSTRACT
Monsters and monstrosity are mostly uncharted subjects in the context of the Islamic cultural sphere. This is fairly surprising given the wealth of creatures populating the related material, and specifically artistic, production that could be considered “monstrous.” From fabulous beasts such as harpies and sphinxes insinuated in the decorative friezes of metal and ceramic vessels, to the dragons and demonic creatures inhabiting pages of manuscripts and albums, grotesque beings appear to have repeatedly nourished the creativity of Muslim artists, and have yet rarely been examined beyond their decorative role.2
