Doris Duke’s Shangri La: A Haven of Islamic Art
Doris Duke’s Passion for Islamic Art
Doris Duke, the heiress to the American Tobacco Company fortune, developed a deep passion for Islamic art during her honeymoon in 1935. Inspired by the intricate architecture and graceful designs of the Taj Mahal, she embarked on a lifelong quest to collect Islamic art from around the world.
The Creation of Shangri La
In 1938, Duke purchased a property in Honolulu, Hawaii, and transformed it into her dream home, which she named Shangri La after the fictional paradise in the novel “Lost Horizon.” She envisioned a home that would showcase her growing collection of Islamic art and reflect her eclectic tastes.
The Islamic Art Collection
Over the next six decades, Duke amassed a vast collection of Islamic art, spanning centuries and regions. Her collection includes ceramics, textiles, carved wood and stone architectural details, metalwork, and paintings. The oldest pieces date back to the 7th century, while the majority come from the 17th to 19th centuries.
Highlights of the Collection
One of the most prized pieces in Duke’s collection is a large, exquisitely crafted mihrab, or prayer niche, from a well-known tomb in Veramin, Iran. The mihrab, which dates to 1265, is made of luster tiles and is signed and dated by a member of the Abu Tahir family, renowned Kashan potters.
Another highlight is the Turkish Room, which Duke created using pieces of the interior of a 19th-century Damascus mansion. The room is a testament to Duke’s love of opulence, with its carved, cushioned, mirrored, inlaid, and gilded surfaces.
The Architectural Influences
Duke’s passion for Islamic art extended beyond collecting to influencing the design of Shangri La itself. She incorporated elements of Islamic architecture and design throughout the home, including:
- A low and rambling exterior, inspired by homes in the Middle East.
- An inner courtyard with walkways radiating out in an asymmetrical pattern.
- A blend of Spanish, Moorish, Persian, and Indian motifs in the interior décor.
- Intricate tilework and geometric abstractions adorning the walls and ceilings.
Duke’s Personal Touch
While Shangri La was a reflection of Duke’s love of Islamic art, it was also a deeply personal space. Duke customized many of the artifacts to suit her own tastes and lifestyle. For example, she had the carved wooden jalis, or screens, in her Indian bedroom fitted with locks to provide both security and air circulation.
The Legacy of Shangri La
Doris Duke left a lasting legacy through her passion for Islamic art. Shangri La, which opened as a museum in 2002, showcases her extraordinary collection and provides a glimpse into her unique and eccentric personality. The museum has become a popular destination for those interested in Islamic art and culture, as well as those seeking inspiration from the life and style of an extraordinary woman.
