MOTHER OF PEARL INLAY

Mother of pearl inlay technique has been practiced for centuries in various parts of the world, including the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.  In the Middle East, mother of pearl inlay has a long history dating back to the ancient Phoenicians. This technique was used extensively during the Islamic period, where it was used to decorate architectural elements such as doors, windows, and ceilings. It was also used to embellish wooden furniture, musical instruments, and jewelry.  Craftsmen would collect the inlay material, which is the shell layer of various mollusks such as pearl oysters, abalone, and others. They would then cut the shell into small pieces and shapes, and then inlay them into patterns in wood or metalwork. The mother of pearl shell inlay designs often depicted floral and geometric patterns inspired by Islamic art. Today, mother of pearl inlay is still used in traditional and modern designs, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to furniture and decorative objects.