This craft, called Damascene, is unique to Meknes. Recently, I had a conversation with one of the artisans (from whom I’ve bought several pieces), and he told me that now, following a recent death, there are only three practitioners of the art (and a few trainees) in Morocco, all in this city. Apparently there is also one in France.

The plate shown in the photo (this particular piece belongs to my friend Janine) is made of black metal, onto which thin silver filigree is hammered carefully, creating the designs (which are, of course, drawn on first by the artist). The man I spoke to told me that the filigree, which he orders from France, is getting more expensive, and that he’s concerned that the cost will raise the prices of the plates to a level tourists won’t pay.

The work is incredibly time consuming, and the plates are inexpensive by international standards. I just bought one of this size for myself; it cost me about 250 dirhams. Not too shabby.

So my question for Syrians is - do you have this craft too?  Any idea why it’s called Damascene?