Damask pattern styles have been around for centuries. These textiles with a woven reverse pattern were first created in silk and can be found as far back as the 7th century. This is a beautiful antique example of a silk floral medallion from the 8th century Tang Dynasty.
The word damask originated from the city of Damascus in Syria where the style of fabric became very popular by the 11th century. These silk fabrics were specially woven elegant designs that were usually created for kings and royalty. This Syrian damask antique fabric dates back to the 7th century, it is easy to see the two tone silk threads that were woven into this pattern of medallion bird pairs.
The reverse patterned damask textiles were very popular through out Europe. Then in the early 1800's the Jacquard loom was invented by Joseph Jacquard which allowed for creating more extravagant damask fabrics easier and faster. This photo shows an early model of the Jacquard loom it is located at the Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester, England
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This example of a damask brocade show the woven fabric. The photo shows the front and the back reverse pattern on a silk and rayon brocade fabric, it demonstrates how the damask design has been woven to create the pattern.
Originally damask fabric was created by weaving silk threads of different colors together, today it is also made of other fibers. Damask patterns are found in textiles for home decor and fashion fabrics. The patterns are available in wallpaper, rugs and decorative items. This is a beautiful home decor fabric designed by Robert Allen Fabrics Hydrangea titled: Angelic Meadow. The woven upholstery fabric is made of polyester, rayon and cotton and can be used to cover furniture or use as drapery.
With the technological advances in fabric printing damask patterns are often printed on textiles today creating a damask print rather than a woven design. These new modern style damask patterns are very popular and are found on a variety of products. This is a wonderful damask design from the 1930's that has been redesigned by Devine Damask and printed on cotton fabric. This allow you to decorate in vintage styles with fabric that does not require allot of special care.
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This monogrammed ipad case has been created with a vintage damask pattern, designed by Dizzy Debbie. It is a beautiful personalized case for yourself or give as a special gift.
The beautiful sage green and plum purple damask throw pillow adds a special accent to living rooms or bedrooms. The polyester pillow designed by Koncepts is wrinkle free and machine washable.
It is wonderful how the vintage damask pattern has survived for centuries and is still a delightful design in our lives today.
