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Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, Honolulu, Hawai‘i. (Photo: David Franzen, 2017.)
Carved Wooden Chest of Drawers with Mother of Pearl Inlay
Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, Honolulu, Hawai‘i. (Photo: David Franzen, 2017.)
Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, Honolulu, Hawai‘i. (Photo: David Franzen, 2017.)
Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art, Honolulu, Hawai‘i. (Photo: David Franzen, 2017.)

Carved Wooden Chest of Drawers with Mother of Pearl Inlay

Date19th century
MediumWood, mother-of-pearl, bone, metal wire, plated copper alloy
DimensionsOverall: 39 1/4 × 42 13/16 × 20 3/8 in. (99.7 × 108.7 × 51.8cm)
ClassificationsWoodwork
Object number65.33
DescriptionThis bureau was created in Syria in the 19th century. Glittering pieces of mother-of-pearl decorate the draws, and its sides are painted white and carved with floral motifs. Artisans in Syrian were known for the construction of wooden furniture, typically carved from walnut wood. Boxes, chests, wardrobes, mirror frames, sofas, and chairs were expertly inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Today, the art of inlaying furniture continues to be practiced, the knowledge passed down by master craftsmen.
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