Artistic Metalwork
Syrian Metal Bowl
wikipedia
The arts of Damascene metallurgy have a centuries long history. Syria still produces all kinds of metal products that are prized around the world. Damascus swords and knives refer to a process forging two or more metals at a time. This makes multiple laminated layers which are then tempered, shaped and sharpened. These beautifully crafted blades are highly desirable artistic pieces more for display than use today. The distinctive surface patterns on the blades result from carbide-forming elements in the forged metals.
Mortars, oil lamps, and bowls cast in bronze with copper inlay make more affordable souvenirs or gifts. Production and export of these types of metal goods became popular in the thirteenth century when the centre of inlaid metalwork moved to Syria. Boxes, vases, and candlesticks manufactured by artisans in Damascus were exported to Europe from the thirteenth to sixteenth centuries.
Beautiful inlaid metal exports were revived in the late eighteenth century. The items desired had changed, so the smiths provided large shell cases inlaid with gold and copper, used as holders for umbrellas or walking sticks in European restaurants and tourist hotels. The processes became more specialized. one artisan produced the main piece cast or wrought from bronze or brass. Then another artist who specifically does the decoration performs the inlay metal process in his workshop.
Lamp
wikipedia
Traditional Syrian jewellery was constructed of silver for the royalty. Silver ornamentation changed to gold around the 1940s.Those who weren’t wealthy wore similar items of copper or bronze. Their jewellery rarely held precious stones, but many semi-precious ones--cornelian, agate, turquoise, amber--were used to add colour. Glass beads of the same or complimentary colours could be added to a main stone in a bracelet or necklace. Syrian metalwork in all its forms still holds a place of esteem in almost every culture around the world.
