Traditional Arabian Furniture
Traditional Arabian furniture is known for extensive handcrafted detail, elaborate mosaics and the use of mother of pearl as a decorative material. The heavy use of geometry to create patterns in Arabian art creates unique artistic expressions.
For centuries the mosaic technique and the use of geometric patterns to produce intricate designs in Arabian furniture has been an art form. The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, one of the world’s oldest mosques, was designed with elaborate mosaics throughout the ancient building around 715 A.D. The mosaics used in furniture can take the form of various patterns, one of the most common being animals, flowers and vines, which is referred to as Arabesque. The ornamental material of choice for these mosaics is traditionally nacre, also known as mother of pearl.
Since around the 17th century the use of mother of pearl to decorate furniture has been a mainstay of Arabic furniture. The iridescent, pliable material can be used sparingly for modest decoration, or as large patterns to entirely cover a sizable piece of furniture, usually with the assistance of a fiberglass mesh. Traditionally Syrian brides often brought, as a part of their family’s contribution to a marriage called jihaz, a box covered in intricate details and a mother of pearl inlay.
Traditional patterns for creating furniture are still treasured in the Arabian world, though methods of producing it has evolved. Designs can be rendered on a computer, and furniture mass produced, but the craftsman who spends months creating a one of a kind piece is still highly favored by traditional Arabian furniture enthusiasts.
