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02 / Reflections

Reflections

Analytical readings of Iranian mirrorwork across climate, philosophy, aesthetics, society, and cultural memory.

Natural light passing through stained glass into the mirror room of Sadoughi House in Yazd
Sadoughi House, Yazd. Natural light filtered through stained glass and reflected across the mirrorwork. Source: Jahan-e Memari / Honarsaraye Memari Yazd.

Reflection 01 · Climatic reading

A Climatic Reading of Iranian Mirrorwork

Climate, orientation, season, and the cultural memory of light.

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Mirrorwork in the iwan of Shams-ol-Emareh Palace in Tehran
Almas neshan mirrorwork in the iwan of Shams-ol-Emareh Palace, Tehran, Qajar period. Source: Mina Hosseini’s Archive; reproduced from Alireza Sheykhi’s article.

Reflection 02 · Research introduction

New Findings and Cultural Analysis

A technical and historical survey of Iranian mirrorwork from the Safavid period to the contemporary era.

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A seated woman holding a small mirror in Reza Abbasi’s Lady with a Mirror
Reza 'Abbasi, Lady with a Mirror, 1618 or 1627. Detroit Institute of Arts, Gift of Mrs. Edsel B. Ford, 44.274.

Reflection 03 · Language and cultural memory

Har Ayeneh: Mirrorwork and Time

Iranian mirrorwork in the context of Persian culture and literature.

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The Brilliant Hall at Golestan Palace in Tehran
The Brilliant Hall, Golestan Palace, Tehran. Photograph: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reflection 04 · Essay

A Sigh Leaves Its Mark upon the Mirror

Mirrorwork: Iranian Intangible Heritage, Not Islamic.

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A vaulted interior densely covered with green-lit Iranian mirrorwork at the Fatima Masumeh Shrine in Qom
Āina-kāri near the zarih of the Fatima Masumeh Shrine, Qom, Iran. Photograph: Amir Pashaei, 2020. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reflection 05 · Perception and literary imagination

Mirror of Wonder

Iranian mirrorwork, Persian poetry, and the instability of the viewer.

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Editorial scope

Reflections brings together authored readings and concise introductions to research that open different perspectives on Iranian mirrorwork.