Vintage Inlaid Damascus Mother-of-Pearl Coffee Table, Mid-20th Century

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Vintage Inlaid Damascus Mother-of-Pearl Coffee Table, Mid-20th Century

About the Item

This is a superb intricately inlaid mother of pearl Damascus centre table or coffee table, dating the mid-20th century. The octagonally shaped table features beautifully detailed inlaid mother of pearl parquetry in interlocking patterns all highlighted with black lacquer. The Mihrab shaped sides are raised on lpinth bases supported with castors. Add an exotic touch to your home with this amazing table. Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation. Dimensions in cm: Height 63 x width 119 x depth 119 Dimensions in inches: Height 24.8 x width 46.9 x depth 46.9. Damascus mother-of-pearl inlay is a style of craft that can be applied to any form of furniture, wall and ceiling panel or household object. Dating back several hundred years, the style is exclusive to the Damascus Governorate of Syria. The materials employed include, but are not limited to, local walnut wood, silver thread, mother of pearl, camel bone and finer decorative woods such as lemon, olive and Brazilian rosewood. A pre-drawn pattern, consisting of either an organic plant or geometric theme, is glued onto a walnut wood base. Channels are carved out for silver thread to be hammered and glued into place. Segments of the pattern are individually chiselled and inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Further embellishment may be added in the form of chemically treated camel bone and softer decorative woods. The piece is then polished and coated with lacquer. The techniques employed vary in complexity depending on the object. A chair being crafted in this style would traditionally be upholstered with local silk brocade. The mother-of-pearl (also known as nacre) used in the early days of the craft was sourced locally from the Euphrates River in Deir ez-Zor Governorate. It has a dull white lustre. As international trade increased, craftsmen shifted to seawater nacre imported from the Philippines, China and New Zealand. Seawater nacre has a superior lustre and colour variation, including white, green and black. The techniques have traditionally been passed down from generation to generation. Artisans interested in learning the craft can be expected to undertake apprenticeships of no less than five years and can remain under the mentorship of a master craftsmen for up to fifteen years before completing works independently. The Syrian conflict has had a heavy toll on the craft. Local sources believe the current number of craftsmen and workshops in operation to be less than twenty percent of its previous state. Working conditions for the craftsmen that remain are rendered even more difficult by international sanctions. Despite the difficulties, local support and international demand remain strong. Pieces are often shipped to Gulf Arab nations and Europe. Historically, this craft has been associated with the aristocracy and affluent tradesmen of Arab society. Damascus is host to a number of palaces, court yard homes and museums displaying countless antiques fashioned in this signature style. For more contemporary pieces, one can wander the streets of Old Damascus and visit one of the many furniture galleries exhibiting such items for sale.

Dimensions:
Height: 24.81 in (63 cm)Width: 46.86 in (119 cm)Depth: 46.86 in (119 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Mother-of-Pearl,Parquetry
Place of Origin:
Syria
Period:
1950-1959
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1950
Condition:
Seller Location:
London, GB
Reference Number:
Seller: 092171stDibs: LU950612243683