Damask is a reversible figured fabric of silk, wool, linen, cotton, or synthetic fibers, with a pattern formed by weaving. Damasks are woven with one warp yarn and one weft yarn, usually with the pattern in warp-faced satin weave and the ground in weft-faced or sateen weave. I.e. the pattern is brought out by the lines of its weave running in a different direction from that of the background. It features a rich, elaborate design that is reversible.
Damasks were one of the five basic weaving techniques of the Byzantine and Islamic weaving centres of the early Middle Ages, and derive their name from their supposed origin in the city of Damascus, Syria. By the fourteenth century, damasks were being woven on draw looms in Italy. From the fourteenth to the sixteenth century, most damasks were woven in a single colour, with a glossy warp-faced satin pattern against a duller ground. Gives it an irridescent look.
Damask weaves are commonly produced today in monochromatic (single-colour) weaves in silk, linen which feature patterns of flowers, fruit, and other designs and are woven on computerized Jacquard looms. Most of the designs used in damasks today are copies of those woven centuries ago in Italy, Spain and France. Lately, "damask" has been very popular. I did a Google search to give you an idea of how it's being used today.
I did a Google search on damask and found some wonderful ways to use it! It's used in everything from notebooks and candles to wallpaper and table linens. I love all the different colors they use today.
This is the damask wallpaper in our entrance hall!
"Damask" is used in some unusual ways too. I love this wedding cake and think it would be mine if I were getting married today.
This damask design on this chest is very striking!
Isn't this apron beautiful?
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