Tunisia Way

In producing spite of the scarcity of the forests of wood, the work of wood is strongly enraciné in the craft industry; the Tunisian inheritance conceals famous masterpieces carried out in various gasolines of this material illustrating various techniques.
The scarcity of wood allowed the development of major arts related to this noble material: sculpture, openwork and painting.

  Should it be recalled that the “minbar” of the Large mosque of Kairouan dated from the lXème century is a single piece of furniture by the beauty of its panels (nearly 110) carved and assembled. It is not only most beautiful “minbar” known but also oldest of the Moslem world arabo. The Tunisian craftsman did not only excel in the sculpture of wood. Other techniques, such as turning and painting are familiar for him.
Painting on wood with its geometrical or floral varieties is implemented with art to the ceilings of the mosques and the large residences; she traverses the racks carry-arm, intended to carry weapons lying: she also decorates with splendid trunks devoted by the tradition to contain and take along the trousseau of the bride.
But the Tunisian craftsman also expressed his gift by combining some times the sculpture and painting on wood. This is checked for example in several “Hanût Hajjem” which is a kind of front of bed out of painted gilded and carved wooden.
Nowadays, the development of manners and the contact with other civilizations, made fall several branches from this craft industry in disuse. Thus, “Hanût Hajjem”, and the trunks are supplanted by modern pieces of furniture manufactured in series or by senior cabinetmakers who married the spirit of times. The old pieces of furniture become rare, nonfunctional and only decorative parts for the modern interiors.
  But the techniques remain and evolve/move: the openwork, turning and painting found supports other than the pieces of furniture (racks, consoles, managing staffs, folding screens small curios), where the craftsman continues to excel in thousand-year-old kinds.