Ladies Around A Samavar Mirror Artwork

  about this mirror artwork

Ladies Around A Samavar is a mirror artwork by the artist as part of the A Persian Folktale collection. This collection pays tribute to the artist’s homeland, celebrating the warmth and stories of Persian culture. Each work expresses gratitude to the people, traditions, and memories passed down through generations.

The mirror features painted figures of Persian women gathered around a samavar, a traditional tea kettle. They are dressed in miniature-inspired attire, with delicate, patterned fabrics and graceful postures. Their placement reflects themes of gathering, storytelling, and shared ritual.

The image is painted directly onto the mirror surface using fine brushwork and layered techniques. This method allows light to pass through the composition, creating dynamic reflections with every glance. As viewers approach, they become part of the scene—blurring the line between art and observer.

The artwork is set within a restored antique frame, carefully selected to complement the visual narrative. The frame carries age, texture, and history, adding to the piece’s cultural and emotional depth. Each frame is sourced and restored by hand, making every artwork uniquely composed.

Inspired by the Shahnameh, Iran’s national epic, the scene hints at timeless stories and feminine wisdom. The figures embody strength, community, and tradition with a modern poetic interpretation. This fusion of mirror and miniature creates a layered visual and symbolic experience.

Ladies Around A Samavar is not only a decorative object, it is a vessel of cultural memory. It invites reflection, both literal and metaphorical, as viewers see themselves within its historic frame. It is a celebration of Persian identity, tea culture, and the power of gathering in everyday beauty.

technique

This mirror artwork is crafted on 6mm black mirror using handmade techniques that blend tradition with experimentation. The silvering layer is intricately worked with acid and bleach (jive), while cutter blade handwork (tigh) adds raw texture and precision.

Vitrail painting is applied on both the front and back, complemented by detailed copper leaf work on the reverse. Layers of acrylic, glitter glue, fluorescent paint, and spray paint contribute to its vivid, multi-dimensional finish.

Both sides of the piece are further enhanced through embezzlement techniques, and the work is presented in a custom, hand-painted frame.

about the artist

Safitown, the artistic alias of Amir Ali Safiari, is a self-taught mirror artist born in Tehran in 1978. He grew up in Nice, France, and moved to San Francisco at age 11. After studying Business Marketing at California State University Northridge, he pursued a successful career in advertising. At 40, he shifted focus to art, embracing his true passion.

His mirror artworks are entirely handmade, utilizing acid, bleach, and other chemicals to de-silver mirrors. He never replicates a piece, continually experimenting with techniques, media, cuts, and colors. 

In addition to his hand-etched, acid-treated mirror pieces, he works with print on canvas, painting, collages, resin, wood, and glass. His practice blends materials and narratives, with no two pieces ever alike. Drawing from graphic design and traditional techniques, he creates layered, reflective works and multimedia compositions.

His works are unique editions, and can be commissioned or selected from existing designs. Shipping and on-site creation are available depending on size specifications.

View his Dubai collection of available artworks here

copyright

This mirror artwork is set of two and is one of a kind original, therefore all copyrights and reproduction rights are reserved by the artist.