Rarely found antique display shelf, handmade from aged walnut wood and inlaid with quality mother of pearl shells intertwined with thin strands of tin. This piece was acquired from "Agha" house in "Bab Sharqi", one of the oldest neighborhoods in old Damascus, it dates back to the 1920's. It was used to hold Kerosene lamps in the old days. Bring old Damascus right into your living room with this unique piece. It measures 35" high.


Today, in Damascus, Syrian craftsmen continue with the traditions of their illustrious ancestors. In spite of modern industry, which has destroyed much of the world's handicrafts, Syrian artisans have, to a great extent, held the machine at bay. Their expertise, developed through the ages, has given them the edge in creating such artful pieces. The products they churn out are as popular today as when the Phoenicians of Ugarit carried their handmade merchandise to the edges of the then known world.

The art of intarsia and carving in wood requires great discipline and gift. It starts by choosing high quality well dried (aged) walnut wood, the wood is cut, assembled and hand carved according to chosen designs and patterns. Mother of pearl shell is then cut, polished and sized up to be inlaid by hand into the carved spaces. There are two kinds of Mother of pearl shells used; Ones that come from rivers and those that come from the sea which are more expensive. Polishing and varnishing follows, as well as finishing touches depending on the design.

Many surrounding countries like Egypt, Turkey, and Lebanon have tried to imitate the process with little success. Syrians were the inventors and then the masters of the art of wood inlay. Hence, there is a huge difference in craftsmanship and quality of materials used.