# Late 19th Syrian Inlaid Pearl Serpentine Chest Dedicated to Prince Selim Daouk

Spectacular and Rare Late 19th-Century Syrian "Serpentine Front" chest of drawers from Damascus, Syria Dedicated to Prince Selim Daouk, scion of one of the most influential political and mercantile families in Ottoman-era Beirut.

This imposing five-drawer cabinet is a masterwork of Levantine craftsmanship, distinguished by its elegant bombé form, intricate pictorial and calligraphic inlay, and luxurious original materials with exquisite _'Ajami_ (wood inlay) technique. This piece is adorned with breathtaking, hand-cut inlays of iridescent mother-of-pearl and gleaming silver set within a rich, dark walnut ground. The undulating serpentine front adds a dynamic, sculptural quality. It retains its original, beautifully aged Carrara marble top—a hallmark of high-status Syrian furniture—and its delicate porcelain knobs. Each drawer is framed with a fine silver and pewter border, highlighting the exquisite central panels.

Beyond the geometric patterns, the lower portion features a stunning pictorial inlay of overflowing flowers. Most remarkably, each drawer is inscribed with a verse from a captivating **love poem dedicated to Prince Selim Daouk**, a prominent aristocratic figure in 19th-century Beirut, transforming this chest into a documented piece of social and literary history.

This piece is far more than furniture; it is a narrative artifact. It combines supreme artistic skill in mother-of-pearl inlay with a unique historical provenance, poetic romance, and imposing presence. It is a cornerstone acquisition for the serious collector of Islamic art, Ottoman history, or exceptional antique cabinetry.

**Dimensions:** Height: 59" | Width: 48" | Depth: 23"

## Details

- **Price:** 62000.0 USD
- **Vendor:** PEGASO GALLERY DESIGN

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 62000.00 USD | In stock |

## Images

- Late 19th Syrian Inlaid Pearl Serpentine Chest Dedicated to Prince Selim Daouk
- Late 19th Syrian Inlaid Pearl Serpentine Chest Dedicated to Prince Selim Daouk
- Late 19th Syrian Inlaid Pearl Serpentine Chest Dedicated to Prince Selim Daouk
- Late 19th Syrian Inlaid Pearl Serpentine Chest Dedicated to Prince Selim Daouk
- Late 19th Syrian Inlaid Pearl Serpentine Chest Dedicated to Prince Selim Daouk
- Late 19th Syrian Inlaid Pearl Serpentine Chest Dedicated to Prince Selim Daouk
- Late 19th Syrian Inlaid Pearl Serpentine Chest Dedicated to Prince Selim Daouk
- Late 19th Syrian Inlaid Pearl Serpentine Chest Dedicated to Prince Selim Daouk

---

> Source: [Pegaso Gallery Design](https://pegasogallerydesign.com/products/late-19th-syrian-inlaid-pearl-serpentine-chest-dedicated-to-prince-selim-daouk)
> Updated: 2026-09-01