hobopeeba
Set of the unpublished videos of the Golestan Palace in Tehran, which is almost entirely inlaid with mirror mosaics. The reflections of light, color, and my own reflections in the mirrors create wonderful associations with a world of magic and sorcery, and kept me enthralled for hours. Mirror mosaics are generally not the healthiest for the lungs and other parts of the body, as they are all done by hand, and glass chips can fly into the respiratory tract and settle in the body, cutting into hands, skin, and so on. Just imagine how painstaking this work must be: laying out an entire palace!
Mirror mosaic, or Āina-kāri, is a traditional Iranian art form perfected in the Safavid era (17th century) that uses tiny, hand-cut mirror pieces set in intricate geometric/floral patterns, creating dazzling light effects symbolic of divine illumination, found in mosques, palaces (like Golestan Palace), and shrines (like Shah Cheragh) in Iran, blending ancient craft with modern design.
Technique: Artisans meticulously cut small mirror pieces (often 1-2 inches) and embed them into plaster on walls/ceilings, forming complex designs.
Visual Effect: The arrangement refracts light intensely, creating a «light storm» or «diamond-like» sparkle that mesmerizes visitors and makes spaces feel vast and celestial.
Historical Roots: While flourishing under the Safavids, its concept might trace back to Sassanid Persia (5th century AD) and a reverence for light.
Symbolism: Beyond decoration, it symbolizes divine light, spiritual illumination, and cosmic order, fitting for religious and royal buildings.
Locations: Famous examples include the Shah Cheragh Shrine (Shiraz), Golestan Palace (Tehran), and other palaces and mosques.
Modern Adaptation: The tradition continues, with contemporary artists incorporating it into modern architecture and even pop art (like mirror balls), blending old and new.
