Plaster and Polychrome Glass Window with Floral Vase Motif
Date19th century
PeriodOttoman
MediumColored glass, plaster
DimensionsOverall: 45 1/2 x 29 1/4 in. (115.6 x 74.3cm)
excluding rims
ClassificationsGlass
Credit LineCourtesy of the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art
Object number46.2.2
DescriptionThis ornate stained glass window, called a qamariyya in Arabic, was created in either Syria, Egypt or Turkey under Ottoman rule. Its design depicts a vase overflowing with blue tulips, red carnations, and yellow peonies. The vase sits within an arched niche lined with two smaller vases and other botanical designs. Qamariyya were created by artisans who shaped the crystal glass with diamond and affixed the colorful pieces into a frame of gypsum plaster. This window was installed at Shangri La in 1938 and was the basis of the design for the house’s eight other windows of this style, which were installed overlooking the foyer and central courtyard.
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