The Origins of Damask Fabric

Damask is a glossy Jacquard weave. The word Jacquard comes from the French inventor, Joseph-Marie Jacquard, who invented the Jacquard loom attachment in 1801, allowing luxurious patterned fabrics like damasks and brocades to be produced much more efficiently.

Damask has a flat look on the pattern, but a glossy and satiny background. In silk, wool, linen, cotton or synthetic fibers, it is often used for draperies and upholstery. True damasks are reversible. Splendid patterns, silks and dyes were used by the Damascus weavers, sometimes with the addition of gold or silver thread.

Damask was first produced in China, India, Persia, Syria, and then the Byzantine Empire. In the 12th century, the city of Damascus, famous for its textiles, advanced the beauty and design of the pattern. The cloth was given its modern name after this city.

Shop for damask furnishings at Home Decorators Collection.