Mother-of-pearl inlay is one of the oldest traditional crafts of Damascus. The city has long been renowned for producing high-quality furniture and decorative pieces adorned with mother-of-pearl. This craft was also practiced in other Syrian cities such as Aleppo, Hama, and Homs, making it an important part of Syria’s rich cultural heritage.

Work Stages:

- Woodwork: The carpenter constructs the piece according to the design.

- Engraving: The painter creates the decorative patterns on the surface.

- Tin Placement: The tin craftsman carves spaces and fixes tin threads.

- Mother-of-Pearl Inlay: The artisan fits the cut pieces of mother-of-pearl according to the design, completing the work with precision and artistry.

Styles and Patterns:

The designs include Arabic, floral, and geometric motifs, with colors such as pink, white, rainbow, green, black, and yellow, allowing artisans to create diverse and intricate works.

Uses and Heritage:

Inlaid pieces were used to decorate furniture and homes. Today, mother-of-pearl inlay remains a distinguished Syrian heritage craft, displayed in exhibitions and heritage projects to preserve the tradition and pass it on to future generations.