Shangri La, Hawaii: Unforgettable in Doris Duke's Hawaian estate

Out of the very many gorgeous and priceless items Miss Duke purchased,  one stood literally head and shoulders above the rest:  the Mihrab -- the prayer corner from a tomb in the 12th century. A rarity and a much sought after piece.  The tiles shimmered,  the details were exquisite. What a stunner in blue! Must be seen IRL to be fully appreciated.

FYI:  Our docent of the estate tour told us of her recent experience with another tour group: She had been giving her  usual spiel about the Mihrab; that most, if not all, face EAST in the direction of Mecca. A Muslim in the group piped-up and said that they actually face in that direction to pay homage to the source of truth --- the EAST (which includes Mecca). Oh, really?! I knew better. As a committed follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, here are the facts:  Men of renown (and armed to the hilt) actually went on a very long, very dangerous journey --- away from the East.  These wise men left their country/region/the East, and traveled in the opposite direction for many many miles and for many many months to seek King Jesus/ a Jew/ the Messiah, who says that He is the way, the TRUTH, and the life.  

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 

(The Gospel according to Matthew 2:1-2, emphasis mine)

Mihrab (prayer niche) from the tomb of Imamzada Yahya Ilkhanid period, dated Sha’ban 663 A.H. (1265 AD) Iran (Kashan)