Mirror-Work Art Added to UNESCO Intangible Heritage List

Date: 12 December 2025 - 23:21

News ID: ۱۴۶۷۸۰

TEHRAN -- If you’ve ever been enchanted by the way light dances across a room, reflecting off carefully arranged surfaces to create a dazzling effect, then you might just fall in love with the ancient Persian craft of Ayeneh-Kari—the art of mirror-work in Iranian architecture.
And now, this stunning form of decorative artistry has received the international recognition it truly deserves: it has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The announcement came during the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Delhi, India.
Iran’s submission, officially titled Ayeneh-Kari, the Art of Mirror-Work in Persian Architecture, marks a historic first: it is the very first time Iranian architecture has been recognized in the realm of intangible heritage, placing Persian architectural artistry squarely on the global map.
With this addition, Iran now boasts 27 elements on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list—a testament to the country’s rich and diverse artistic traditions.
So, what exactly is Ayeneh-Kari? At its heart, it’s a labor of love and an exquisite interplay of light and design. This centuries-old craft involves decorating architectural surfaces—ceilings, domes, walls, columns, and panels—with meticulously cut and shaped mirror pieces.
The process is anything but simple: each piece is precisely cut to form geometric patterns or organic shapes, then carefully affixed to the architectural surface. The result is a luminous mosaic that reflects light in a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes, transforming any space into a radiant, almost spiritual experience.
The craft isn’t just about visual beauty. In traditional Iranian culture, both water and mirrors symbolize purity and light. So the act of mirror-work carries deep symbolic meaning, embodying spiritual illumination and the metaphysical importance of light in human perception. This combination of aesthetic elegance and symbolic depth makes Ayeneh-Kari a truly unique form of artistic expression.
What’s remarkable about this craft is how it has been passed down through generations. Much like crochet and other handcrafts that are nurtured in intimate, hands-on learning environments, mirror-work is taught both formally—through universities, cultural institutions, and workshops—and informally, via family apprenticeships.
Skilled artisans, often revered in their communities, transmit their knowledge from grandfathers to fathers, from uncles to nephews. These artisans aren’t just technicians; they are cultural custodians, carrying forward centuries of accumulated wisdom, skill, and spiritual insight.
The social and cultural significance of Ayeneh-Kari extends beyond technique. The art graces sacred spaces, palaces, and private residences alike. It adorns mosques and shrines, royal chambers, and contemporary living spaces, creating a bridge between tradition and modernity. The versatility of the craft ensures that it continues to thrive, influencing restoration projects and modern architectural designs alike.
Iran’s journey to UNESCO recognition began in April 2024, when the country officially submitted the Ayeneh-Kari dossier. The submission, prepared by cultural expert Shahab

Nikman, was praised for its thoroughness and quality.
During the Delhi session, the Iranian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, alongside the Mana Naqsh Heritage Institute for Culture and Art, organized an exhibition celebrating the registration of Ayeneh-Kari. The display offered attendees a firsthand look at the intricacies of mirror-work, highlighting the craft’s luminous charm and the dedication of its artisans.
Speaking about the registration, Iran’s Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Seyed Reza Salehi-Amiri, described Ayeneh-Kari as more than a craft—it is a “philosophical and spatial phenomenon.”
“In this art, space is transformed from a functional entity into an experiential realm. The encounter with light and reflection immerses one in a network of meaning, where architecture becomes a mirror between inner and outer worlds,” he explained.
He further emphasized that Ayeneh-Kari is a living knowledge, transmitted not through books, but through tactile experience, observation, and the quiet guidance of mentors across generations.
Beyond aesthetics and tradition, Ayeneh-Kari offers lessons in sustainability and cultural diplomacy. Many of the craft’s techniques—such as recycling mirror fragments and maximizing natural light—reflect an intrinsic awareness of resourcefulness and environmental sensitivity. Its integration with modern architecture shows how heritage and innovation can coexist, offering practical solutions for contemporary design challenges.
Like crochet, quilting, or beadwork, Ayeneh-Kari transcends borders, connecting people through shared admiration for creativity, skill, and cultural memory. Salehi-Amiri described the listing as “a mirror linking past and future, revealing a truth about light and art that Iran has long carried for the world.”