Polychrome Marble Inlaid Floor and Wall Panels
Datec. 1800
PeriodOttoman
MediumMarble, stone inlay
DimensionsOverall: 312 1/8 x 15 in. (792.8 x 38.1cm)
ClassificationsStonework
Object number41.2
DescriptionThe floor and wall panels of the Ottoman Gallery were created from historical marble panels as well as modern panels custom-made for this space. Created as the “Syrian room” for Shangri La, the floor was created to accompany the acquisition of an interior of an ‘ataba — or reception hall — from Ottoman Damascus, dating to the middle of the 1800s. The elaborate, geometric designs of the marble tiles were created using a technique called opus sectile, or “stone mosaic” in which mother-of-pearl is inlaid to marble.Arriving in unmarked boxes, the jigsaw-like pieces were assembled by workmen of Hawaiʻi - and some of the resulting motifs very closely resemble traditional Hawaiian quilt patterns more than typically Ottoman geometric design.
On View
On viewCollections
c. 1800-1850
19th century
19th-20th century
1750-1800, with some panels added in 1953-54
Dated 1271 AH (1854 - 1855 CE)
One of a set/One of a set
