THE ART OF FILIGREE

Mardin, one of the oldest cities of Upper Mesopotamia continues to preserve the influences of its ancient heritage till this day. Home to many civilizations, including the Assyrians, Mardin is known for its rich culture with its diverse ethnic structure that dates back to centuries ago. One of the greatest examples of this rich heritage that has inspired Assur's design journey, the ancient Mesopotamian jewelry-making technique of filigree takes center stage. Carrying traces from the atmosphere of the magnificent lands it has its roots in, the art of filigree stands out with its unique forms that have emerged thousands of years ago. Inspired by historical and natural motifs that were created through cross-cultural interaction, this ancient handicraft, where we often come across symbols of the culture and history of the region, has managed to survive from the past to the present with the effort and passion of talented craftsmen. Existing ever since Mesopotamians met silver and gold, this fascinating jewelry-making technique involves twisting hair-thin metal threads into intricate lace-like patterns, each piece created by patient craftsmen being one-of-a-kind. This age old art which comes to life in the hands of talented craftsmen still manages to live on with the efforts of artisans from Mardin. Filigree, a form of art that was born in perhaps the world’s most inspiring lands, is a fascinating example of telling stories and transferring history through handcraft.

As Assur, every piece we create sheds light on our unique cultural heritage, while revealing a contemporary design aesthetic. Combining traditional methods with a futuristic outlook, each of our designs are crafted with ancient techniques that date as far back as 3,000 BC and carry deep meaning behind them…