http://collection.shangrilahawaii.org/internal/media/dispatcher/16951/fullPolychrome Wooden Ceiling Panels with Vegetal Motifs19th centuryWood, polychrome pigments, gilding64.6.1-11, 20; 64.7; 64.9; 64.11; 64.13-14 Syrian (Turkish) room1This painted, wooden ceiling overlooks the tazar, the raised seating area within the Ottoman gallery. The ceiling is painted with multicolored vegetal motifs. Originally, these paintings would have been bright and colorful. Today the colors appear subdued due to varnish applied at a later date.
The tazar ceiling is separated from the rest of the room by high white walls, offset by colorful glass windows. At home in Damascus, the ceilings of reception halls like this one are typically very tall; some of the largest reception halls reach 32 feet (10 meters)! The height of the ceiling is related to the function of the room, helping to retain cool air throughout the day for the comfort of the occupants and their guests.Woodwork1651098720