PH
In Persian Ayeneh-Kari, craftsmen decorate architectural surfaces with carefully cut pieces of mirror.
The pieces can be arranged into geometric or organic patterns across walls, ceilings, domes, columns, and panels.
The mirrors reflect light in countless directions, making the architecture appear to sparkle as people move through the space.
Creating the decoration requires several skills, including design, mirror cutting, plastering, painting, and mosaic work.
The craft is traditionally passed down through apprenticeships and family workshops.
Mirrors also carry symbolic associations with purity and illumination in the tradition.
UNESCO inscribed Ayeneh-Kari on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2025.
©UNESCO