The Study of the Form and Motifs of Mirror-work in the Historical Houses of Tehran in Qajar Era

Introduction
The peak of mirror-work (Āyeneh-kāri) in Iranian architecture is associated with the Qajar period. Its examples can be observed in palaces, Imamzadehs, and some luxurious houses. In Tehran, a vast area of the Shah-neshin and the hallways of historical houses are adorned with these decorations, reflecting the taste and artistry of the architects and craftsmen of that time. Despite numerous studies on mirror-work (Āyeneh-kāri) in palaces and religious buildings, a systematic analysis of the form and motifs in the mirror work of residential houses in Tehran has been rarely explored. The overall aim of this study is to identify and analyze the formal characteristics and motifs of mirror-work (Āyeneh-kāri) in the historical houses of Tehran during the Qajar era. To this end, samples from ten historical houses in Tehran that incorporate mirror-work (Āyeneh-kāri) in their interior and exterior designs have been selected, aiming to analyze the visual features and motifs used in various spaces of the houses and to provide a comprehensive perspective on the status and diversity of this art in residential architecture.
Research Method
The method of this study is descriptive-analytic, conducted with the aim of examining the shapes and motifs used in the mirror-work (Āyeneh-kāri) of historical houses in Tehran during the Qajar era. In this context, various types of motifs and geometric structures, decorative arrays, and common patterns in the mirror work of this period were analyzed and classified. Data were collected through library studies, the examination of photographs, archival documents, as well as direct field studies. Sampling was conducted purposefully, and ten historical houses were selected including Vossough, Soltan Begum, Imam Jom'e, Moghadam, Fakhr-al-Moluk, Mirza Shafi, Zorofchi, Timurtash, Masoudiyeh Mansion, and Qavam House (Abgineh). The field method involved photographing historical residential sites from the Qajar period in Tehran and interviewing mirror work craftsmen, both of which played a significant role in the better understanding of the process as well as preserving this art.
Research Findings
The findings indicate that mirror-work (Āyeneh-kāri) in the historical houses of Tehran during the Qajar period was primarily utilized in the Shah-nishin sections, reception halls, winter rooms (on the northern and western sides), and in some cases, in summer rooms. In the Vossough house, a rare example is observed where the mirror hall is located in the summer section, contributing to temperature regulation along with wind catchers. In the houses of Vossough, Imam Jom'e, Soltan Begum, and Mirza Shafi, the overall mirror decorations were applied to ceilings, walls, and wainscoting, combined with wall paintings and stucco work. A noteworthy point in the Imam Jom'e house was the existence of eastern and western alcoves that, by opening partitions, could transform into a large hall for hosting guests. In contrast, the Masoudiyeh Mansion (Divankhaneh) and the Timurtash house mainly featured mirror decorations on the ceilings of the halls, with less seen on the walls. However, Zorofchi house had the least amount of these decorations. In terms of form, the vase motif was the most diverse and frequently repeated pattern among the samples, executed in forms such as bulbous vases, two-tiered, pedestal vases, jeweled designs, and combinations with side motifs. Following that, toranj, shames motifs as well as arabesque and Khatayi motifs appeared in simple and combined forms. Among the geometric motifs, six-pointed stars, eight-pointed stars, dodecagons, whirls, wicker patterns, and ten-tendril knots had the highest frequency. The motifs of ‘Khorshid Khanom’ were executed in three houses (Moghadam, Fakhr-al-Moluk, and Imam Jom'e) using the reverse glass painting technique, reflecting the connection of mirror-work (Āyeneh-kāri) with the mystical concepts of unity and light. In the realm of specific motifs, the motifs of cups and candlesticks were prominently present in the houses of Mirza Shafi, Vossough, Soltan Begum, and Imam Jom'e, executed in five and seven branches, some of which held special significance due to their association with Jewish symbols. Animal motifs were only seen in a few samples (the house of Soltan Begum and parts of Moghadam and Imam Jom'e) and had the least frequency among decorative patterns. Frame designs were usually executed uniformly around the room, and in Zorofchi house, a one-piece star-shaped frame creates a unique example. Overall, the findings indicated that the mirror-work (Āyeneh-kāri) of Qajar houses possessed a diversity of motifs, structural complexity, and multi-functionality, playing a fundamental role in shaping the visual identity of the space.
 
Conclusion
The results have indicated that mirror-work (Āyeneh-kāri) in the historical houses of Tehran during the Qajar period was one of the most prominent decorative elements of residential architecture and served a function beyond mere beautification. These decorations have extended from ceilings and walls down to the floors, with a nearly equal use of plaster and mirror. The combination of wood and mirror has also been beautifully employed. In some of these houses, examples of colored stucco work combined with mirror-work (Āyeneh-kāri) have been observed. In addition to these decorations, paintings beneath and above the mirrors, including floral and bird motifs, animals, and "Khorshid Khanom", have also been evident in the decoration of the houses. The mirror-work (Āyeneh-kāri) of muqarnas has also been added to the decorative ensemble. In terms of motif representation, vase motifs, Arabesque motifs, Khatayi motifs, Shamse motifs, rosettes, and geometric knots have been identified as the dominant decorative system. These motifs, in the form of organized and sometimes complex arrays have reflected the capabilities of Qajar craftsmen in composition, symmetry, rhythm, and visual harmony, skillfully placing geometric and botanical structures together. The diversity of vase motifs and geometric knots has had the most usage, while animal motifs have had the least presence. Additionally, the motifs of "Khorshid Khanom" and candlesticks reflect the connection of mirror work with symbolic concepts of light, purity, guardianship, and sanctity. These motifs and decorative frames not only play a structural and functional role in the interior architecture but also have a significant aesthetic impact on the visual space of the building. The precise combination of geometric shapes, Islamic motifs, flowers, and animal motifs, along with techniques of repetition and mirroring, help create a harmonious and pleasant rhythm in the space. In addition to their visual richness, these decorative elements evoke a sense of elegance, luxury, and harmony in architecture. Furthermore, the play of light and its reflection in the mirror work makes the motifs appear more vibrant and dynamic, adding depth and dimension to the space.