Damascus, (SANA) – The Damascene wood mosaic is one of the oldest, most distinguished traditional handicrafts in Damascus, giving its houses a unique beauty and earning considerable popularity among Syrians and tourists alike.

This handicraft uses various types of colored wood to make the veneer, such as rosewood, Eucalyptus, walnut, almond and lemon wood, in addition to seashells which are imported from Asia. The main body and structure of the mosaic pieces is made from beech or walnut wood.

The veneers are made by cutting square or triangular pieces of wood into thin layers that are cut into smaller pieces in various shapes and then glued on the piece's body. Hand-crafted mosaics may take more than two months to make.

This craft reached its current state at the hands of Damascene craftsman Jerji al-Bitar, who introduced a personal touch into the craft during the second half of the 20th century, using interlocking color elements and a unique style. Other craftsmen continued to develop this art, using bone and ivory to further enrich it.

The popularity and increasing demand for mosaic by Arab and foreign tourists caused the craft to flourish, producing captivating masterpieces of impeccable precision and beautiful design.

Mosaics aren't limited to small trinkets and gift items; there are mosaic chairs, cabinets, bookshelves, and entire furniture sets. Depending on the type, precision and craftsmanship of the piece, the price of a mosaic ranges from SP 50,000 to one million.

Beit Nizam, Maktab Anbar and the palaces of Khaled al-Azem, al-Sibaii and al-Kuwatli are among the most famous Damascene houses decorated with wood mosaic.

H. Sabbagh / Kh. Aridi