The heart of the Hasht Behesht (“Eight Paradises”) Palace in Isfahan is a domed, octagonal chamber of mirrors, which, according to Persian mysticism, reveals all the spheres of the self. Rings of darkness gradually lighten as they rise toward mirror facets, dazzling to behold, a reflected vision of God, the beauty of His creation, and divine illumination. Deep in the shadows of a covered market, a fruit-seller looks up from her small stock of pomegranates. In her face are sorrow and despair, resignation and acceptance, hope and faith.
