Agiami: The Art of Painted Relief in Syrian Furniture
El Palacio Damasceno presents the
Agiami style—one of the most unique and visually striking expressions of
Syrian furniture craftsmanship. Where other styles rely on inlay or carving, Agiami stands apart through its distinctive raised relief work and vibrant hand-painted finish, transforming each piece into a canvas of living colour rooted in Syrian artistic tradition.
What Is Agiami Style?
The Agiami technique begins with the pattern—typically
floral motifs or Arabic calligraphy—drawn directly onto the wood base using carbon powder. Our artisans then prepare a special mass made from
plaster and natural vegetal components, which is carefully applied to build up the branches and outlines of the design, creating a distinctive
3D relief effect that literally projects from the surface of the wood.
Once the relief is complete, the entire piece is finished by hand using
natural colours and/or golden paper, adding warmth, depth, and a ceremonial richness that is unmistakably Syrian.
A Multi-Step Process of Extraordinary Precision
The creation of an Agiami piece demands patience and mastery at every stage. The carbon powder drawing must be precise, as it guides all subsequent work. The plaster and vegetal mass is built up gradually to achieve the right volume and proportion. The painting stage requires a steady hand and a refined aesthetic sensibility—each colour choice and gilded detail is made deliberately to honour the design.
As with all our furniture, each item is sanded between steps and receives a final finish of
shellac varnish, applied by hand in 5 to 10 coats to protect the decoration and give the surface a lasting, luminous quality.
Agiami in Our Furniture Collection
Discover the Agiami style across our collection:
Agiami style furniture – pieces where colour, relief, and calligraphy come together.
Styling Agiami Pieces
Use Agiami furniture as a statement piece in rooms with neutral walls, allowing the colour and relief to command attention. Pair with warm, ambient lighting to bring out the depth of the painted relief and the shimmer of golden details. Ideal for interiors that blend classic Middle Eastern aesthetics with contemporary elegance.
Heritage, Colour, and Craft
The Agiami style is a testament to the breadth of Syrian decorative tradition—demonstrating that Syrian furniture is not defined by a single material or technique, but by an enduring commitment to beauty, precision, and cultural expression. At El Palacio Damasceno, every Agiami piece is crafted using
reclaimed walnut wood and natural materials, ensuring that this ancient art form continues to be made with integrity and care.
Designers and Collectors Welcome
If you are an interior designer, architect, or collector drawn to the painterly beauty of
luxurious Syrian furniture, our Agiami collection offers something genuinely unlike anything else.
Contact El Palacio Damasceno to explore custom Agiami pieces, discuss your project, or commission your own work of authentic Syrian decorative art.
