The visual characteristics that distinguish the Damascene Wood-Mosaic artefacts’ design identity can be seen across a wide range of artefacts such as backgammon, chess, jewellery boxes, and furniture. This identity is manifested in the design elements and principles that are regarded by the local artisans as essential in distinguishing Damascene Wood-Mosaic artefacts from similar artefacts created by other cultures.
The decorative geometry used in DWM is one-dimensional and two-dimensional (see below samples).
Lines (Arabic Thread): The Damascene Wood-Mosaic veneer is a composition made up of inlays that include wood and mother-of-pearl, manifested in decorative shapes creating an abstract geometrical design. The adopted lines that make the geometrical design can be a singular or a combination of (horizontal, vertical, diagonal, parallel, intersecting, and perpendicular) (see below figure).
Two-dimensional geometry
Tessellation: A tessellation is a repeating pattern of symmetrical and interlocking shapes, also known as tiles, that fit together without gaps or overlaps. This concept applies to both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) spaces.
Types of Tessellations:
Regular Tessellation: A pattern made by repeating a single regular polygon (e.g., equilateral triangle, square, or hexagon).
Semi-Regular Tessellation: A pattern composed of two or more regular polygons.
Irregular Tessellation: A pattern using two or more shapes, including irregular polygons, that fit together without gaps or overlaps.
The colours of the wood inlays found in the Damascene Wood-Mosaic veneer varies depending on the utilized local types of wood. Yellow (Lemon wood), variegated brown (Walnut wood), variegated burgundy (Rosewood), Light brown with orangish or reddish cast with dark brown streaks (Apricot wood), Cream or yellowish brown, with darker brown or black contrasting streaks (Olive wood), Red and Green (Dyed Fir wood), Black (Dyed walnut wood instead of ebony), Light red to reddish brown (Eucalyptus), Golden brown to medium/reddish brown (Mulberry wood). (see below figure)
