These depictions of demons – the pick of which has to be the one licking your toes if they hang out the bed at night – are from an early-20th-century book of demons from Isfahan, in central Iran. Demons were a common feature of pre-Islamic Iran. Many below are linked to magic and signs of the zodiac. The collection includes a book of spells describing incantations and talismans in dealing with the hellish creatures.
Via: @akarjooravary and Princeton’s Digital Library.
Would you like to support Flashbak?
Please consider making a donation to our site. We don't want to rely on ads to bring you the best of visual culture. You can also support us by signing up to our Mailing List. And you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For great art and culture delivered to your door, visit our shop.