Parviz Kalantari (March 22, 1931 – May 20, 2016) was an Iranian painter, illustrator, writer, and graphic designer. He was a key figure in modern Iranian art and played a significant role in illustrating children's textbooks.

Kalantari was born in Zanjan, Iran, but his family was originally from Taleghan. In 1951, he enrolled in the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran, where he studied painting. He graduated in 1959 and later traveled to New York for a six-month training program in textbook illustration and layout design.

Kalantari was deeply involved in the Franklin Book Program, where he helped illustrate educational textbooks for children. His illustrations became iconic in Iranian schoolbooks, including memorable depictions of stories like The Fox and the Crow and The Liar Shepherd. In 1968, he joined the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults, where he contributed to art education and illustration.

His paintings often depicted Iranian landscapes, rural life, and indigenous symbols, particularly through his Kahgeli (mud-brick) style, which reflected the architecture and culture of Iran’s desert regions. He was known for blending modern artistic techniques with traditional Iranian themes.

Kalantari held numerous solo and group exhibitions in Iran and internationally. His works were displayed at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, Columbia University, and various art centers worldwide. His paintings were also featured on special stamps issued by the United Nations.

Kalantari’s contributions to Iranian art and education remain influential. His unique artistic style and dedication to children's book illustration have left a lasting impact on Iranian visual culture.