Āyneh kāri

Āyneh kāri is a type of interior decoration, which is obtained with the arrangement - in different geometric shapes or floral designs - of small fragments of mirror glass.

In this artistic branch, the artists use mirror glass (which is then broken into different shapes) to create a showy luminous space that uses the reflection of light to give the buildings an aura of strength and solidity.

The Āyneh kāri, common in the Sasanian era, represents one of the artistic branches of Iran and is considered peculiar to Iranian artists.
Several Iranian cities have always been the source of artists dedicated to the Āyneh kāri, but, among these, the producers of Esfahān, Shirāz and Tehrān enjoy greater fame.

This architectural tradition has since moved from the homes of wealthy families to learn about places of pilgrimage and sanctuaries. In most of the Emāmzādeh located in various parts of the country it is possible to see signs of the presence of this precious art. Some illustrious examples of Āyneh kāri, such as Kākh-e Shams ol-Emāreh or Kākh-e Golestān, enjoy worldwide fame.

There are artists who, in line with the development of this branch, have exported the Āyneh kāri - in an attempt to keep this original and precious art alive - from the field of architecture to use it on dishes.