The Collection
A private collection of rare Syrian armoires, each hand-carved by Damascus masters and inlaid with the iridescent luminescence of natural nacre — assembled in memory of Hada Shamma.
Assembled over 25 years of dedicated acquisition across Syrian villages surrounding Damascus — Maaraba, Daraya, Al Zabadani, Maaloula, and beyond — the Shamma collection is one of the most comprehensive private holdings of Late 19th and Early 20th Century Syrian mother of pearl armoires in existence. Each piece is a singular document of Damascene craft tradition, preserved in excellent condition in the family home in Amman, Jordan.
The making of a mother of pearl armoire in 19th century Damascus was a lifetime's devotion. Masters spent years mastering the diqmaq technique — cutting nacre into shapes no larger than a fingernail and embedding them into hand-carved walnut grounds, sometimes edged with fine brass sursur wire for golden definition.
"No two pieces are alike. Each armoire is a frozen conversation between the craftsman and the shell."
— On Damascene Inlay Tradition
Each piece is available for private viewing and acquisition. We welcome serious collectors, museums, and cultural institutions.
All correspondence held in strictest confidence
