Ardeshir Mohasses (1938–2008), born in Lahijan, Iran, was an influential Iranian designer, illustrator, and caricaturist, renowned for the sharp, critical perspective reflected in his art. Between 1959 and 1962, he studied political science at the Faculty of Law, University of Tehran. He published his first caricatures in 1951 in the satirical magazine Tawfiq, where he continued to contribute until 1959. He later created satirical work for Kayhan newspaper, Ketab-e Hafteh magazine, and other publications.

In 1967, Mohasses held his first solo exhibition at Ghandriz Gallery in Tehran. His works were later shown—both individually and in group exhibitions—around the world. In the early 1970s, his drawings began appearing in international publications such as The New York Times, Graphis, and Jeune Afrique. In 1976, he emigrated to the United States, where he lived until his death in New York in 2008, following a period of illness.

Iranian art historian Ruyin Pakbaz wrote about Mohasses and his distinctive style: “Mohasses was the first Iranian press satirist to assert his independence in choosing both subject matter and method. Through his humorous drawings on social and political themes, and his emphasis on visual expression, he transcended mere comic caricature. His main drawing tool was the Rapidograph pen, while his paintings often incorporated watercolor and colored pencils. He cited the works of Bosch, Bruegel, Daumier, Sani al-Mulk, and Coffeehouse painting as his main influences—though many of his works also clearly drew inspiration from Qajar-era lithographs.”