tympan Darb-i Imam (1)
One of the most beautiful examples of multi layered disign can be found in a tympan and spandrel of the Darb-i Imam schrine in Isfahan. Traditionally it’s dated in 1453. This indeed is the year in which the shrine was built. However it was renovated later. In an article in Nexus Network Journal Luc Lauwers (KULeuven Belgium) argues that the entry with tympan and spandrel have to be dated in the expansion of the shrine in 1717.
- Accentuating and extending the blue line pattern, we find a first layer of big girih tiles.
- Checking division a second layer of smaller girih tiles appear.