The Crafts of Damascus: Mosaic, Glass, Brocade and Metal

When people think of Damascus craft, they often think of mosaic. But the city has worked in glass, silk, metal and wood for centuries. This is a short guide to the crafts that sources such as UNESCO and the University of Victoria's Crafts of Syria project document.

A city of craft

The Ancient City of Damascus has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979. Its centerpiece is the eighth-century Umayyad Mosque. The Crafts of Syria project lists dozens of trades in Damascus, including silversmiths, carpenters, glassblowers and gem cutters.

Glassblowing

UNESCO lists traditional Syrian glassblowing as intangible heritage in need of urgent safeguarding. Artisans melt recycled glass in brick ovens and shape it on a hollow rod. Pieces are often decorated with painted gold motifs. The craft has historically stayed within specific families.

Brocade and damask

Damascus brocade is a hand-woven textile: a silk base interwoven with silver and gold thread in ornate patterns. In the mid-12th century, the geographer al-Idrisi rated it above Byzantine work, and a 1374 account records a Mamluk sultan ordering brocade from Syria for Cairo. The word damask comes from Damascus, a trading hub on the Silk Road, although the technique itself did not begin there.

Metalwork

Metalworkers in Damascus hammer silver wire into brass and copper. They make engraved trays, wall plates and utensils. A traveler's account from 1892 to 1893 describes silversmithing skills passed from father to son.

Inlay and mosaic

Damascus is also known for woodwork. In wood mosaic, woods such as walnut, olive, lemon and rose are cut into strips, assembled into patterns, then sliced so each cross-section can be set into a base. Mother-of-pearl is added to the design. Intarsia workshops in the Old City have operated since the late 1800s.

To see how a mosaic box is made step by step, read how a Damascene mosaic box is made, or learn about the materials in the woods and pearl behind every Damascene piece.

Where Damascus Box fits

Damascus Box works with craftsmen and family workshops in Damascus, and every piece is made by hand there. You can meet some of them in the makers behind the mosaic, or see their work in our Mosaic Boxes collection.

Sources

Ancient City of Damascus, UNESCO World Heritage List
UNESCO: Traditional Syrian glassblowing
Crafts of Syria, University of Victoria: Damascus
Crafts of Syria: Damascus brocade makers
Crafts of Syria: Damascus silversmiths
Crafts of Syria: Damascus intarsia workers
Turquoise Mountain: wood mosaic