Carved Wooden Columns with Mirrored Insets (Set of 12)
Date20th century
MediumWood, pigments, mirrors
ClassificationsWoodwork
Object number64.43
DescriptionThe Central Courtyard is partially shaded by a canopy supported by 12 columns. The tall, narrow columns and capitals embellished with muqarnas ornamentation emulate the style of courtly architecture of seventeenth-century Iran. The columns were manufactured in Chicago, following Doris Duke’s specifications. Mirrored insets, which catch the light, were applied in Hawaiʻi.The design of column capitals and wooden awning was inspired by the talar, or veranda, of the Ālī Qāpū palace in Isfahan, Iran. Ālī Qāpū (meaning “Highest Gate” in Persian) was the imperial palace of the shahs, or rulers of the Safavid dynasty. Located along the maidan, or main square, of Isfahan, the talar was the setting for the shah and his family to observe important public events, such as parades or polo matches.
On View
On viewCollections
18th-19th century
18th - 19th century
17th century
17th century
19th century
19th century
