Shamsian Paua side table

For Bethan Gray, cultural referencing is at heart of her design philosophy. Through her travels and research she is inspired to create original contemporary pieces that resonate with local, as well as global, audiences, and that have an elegant and timeless appeal. Currently she is particularly drawn to the graphic nature of Islamic art and craft. Renowned and much sought after Iranian artist Shamsian, and his team of 70 highly skilled master craftsmen at their studio in Muscat Oman, specialise in various highly intricate crafts: marquetry, khatam, damascene and solid brass inlay. Shamsian had been searching for the perfect designer to translate his traditional craft and pattern into modern and contemporary design.Shamsian was immediately drawn to her highly original style and her deep empathy for Islamic art and craft. Each piece in this collection is handmade using the intricate technique of marquetry on hand stained birds-eye maple. Marquetry was used in Islamic craft as far back as the 16th century- it involves hand inlaying and overlaying pieces of wood, solid brass, shells or other materials into a base.