Elliptical Cheese Board (S)

Ornate and intricately carved woodwork can be found on everything from furniture to decorative objects in the Levant. Damascus and Aleppo have been major centers for production through the centuries and many examples of elaborate woodwork from these cities have made their way into the prominent households, buildings, and markets of the region. There are many different styles of wood carving, from shallow carving to perforated carving, and many artisans make their own tools for particular designs and details. Wood carvers based in Jordan come from Syria, Egypt, and Turkey and all practice different carving styles, using walnut, beech, and oak woods.