Mr. Zaher Samir, A Pioneer of Inlaying Wood with Shell: An Intriguing Tradition from Damascus Heart!

This article features an interview with Mr. Zaher Samir, the founder of Original Antique, a company specializing in the ancient Damascene craft of inlaying wood with shells. The tradition, dating back two centuries, originated in Damascus and was initially reserved for monarchs, sultans, and affluent families due to the intricate and labor-intensive manufacturing process. This craft involves the ornamental mounting of genuine seashells, each approximately one centimeter in size, meticulously placed into carved wood. Damascus is identified as the sole global center for this unique and challenging handicraft. Mr. Samir’s family has a long history with this craft. His father inherited "The House of Oriental Antiques" from his own father in 1911 and established Original Antique in 1961, making Zaher Samir part of the third generation to practice this art. Growing up immersed in his father's workshop, Mr. Samir developed a profound passion for the craft. He observed during his summer holidays in Damascus that this handicraft, despite its beauty and complexity, lacked the global recognition of other international art forms like Italian pieces. This observation fueled his ambition to develop and popularize it. His academic background in interior design significantly influenced his approach. He leveraged his expertise to introduce modern touches and sensibilities to the traditional craft, ensuring its relevance and harmony with contemporary global decoration trends. This integration of ancient artistry with modern design principles allowed Original Antique to evolve from a local Damascene store into a global exporter of high-end furniture. The company has already established a branch in the Netherlands and is planning to open another in the United States, signifying its international expansion. Original Antique maintains its prestigious reputation through an unwavering commitment to product quality, which has fostered customer trust. A distinguishing characteristic of their products is their entirely handmade nature. This craft is one of the few remaining industries where every stage, from carving to inlaying, is performed manually, even in an era of advanced industrialization. Each piece requires a considerable amount of time, often several months, to complete. This manual process is a key differentiator from mosaic art, where shells are glued rather than inlaid into carved wood. The primary export market for Original Antique is the Arabian Gulf, where the craft is well-known. While the demand in non-Arab markets like Europe and America is less established, there is a notable appreciation among consumers in these regions for the handmade quality and uniqueness of the products. Mr. Samir acknowledges that finding skilled artisans for this craft is a continuous challenge, as it requires inherent talent that can then be honed through creative instruction, unlike industrial processes that rely on machines. To preserve and promote this art, Mr. Samir actively teaches classes and creates instructional videos, especially for younger generations. He believes that such initiatives are crucial for the global dissemination and expansion of this historical legacy, ensuring its survival and universal recognition. His vision is for the handicraft to achieve global reach and be recognized on par with luxurious Italian products in terms of quality and durability. He advises aspiring artisans to uphold the traditional, handmade methods, warning against the trap of industrial shortcuts, such as laser machines, which he believes would strip the craft of its soul. He emphasizes that an artisan's passion is vital for innovation and success. #ZaherSamir #Damascus #WoodInlay #ShellInlay #Handicraft #OriginalAntique #InteriorDesign #CulturalHeritage #FurnitureDesign #SyrianCrafts #ZaherSamir #Damascus #WoodInlay #ShellInlay #Handicraft #OriginalAntique #InteriorDesign #CulturalHeritage #FurnitureDesign #SyrianCrafts