#craftsmanship

14 stories

Gold Souq Guardian

Gold Souq Guardian

Layla Al-Rashid3 min read

Goldsmith Nur protects traditional craftsmanship in Riyadh's souq. When jewelry appraiser Marcus discovers her workshop, precious metals aren't the only thing gleaming. 'Al dhahab al haqiqi ma yisda' (الذهب الحقيقي ما يصدأ) - Real gold doesn't rust.

saudigoldgoldsmith
Leather Legacy

Leather Legacy

Layla Al-Rashid3 min read

Leather craftsman Khalid maintains traditional techniques. When designer Sofia commissions luxury goods, old hands teach new eyes. 'Al jild ya'eesh aktar min sahibu' (الجلد يعيش أكثر من صاحبه) - Leather outlives its maker.

saudileathercraftsman
Silver Smith Spark

Silver Smith Spark

Layla Al-Rashid2 min read

Silversmith Halima crafts traditional Saudi jewelry. When antique dealer Victor seeks authentic pieces, precious metals spark precious feelings. 'Al fidda tibarrid al ruh' (الفضة تبرد الروح) - Silver cools the soul.

saudisilverjewelry
Sword Smith

Sword Smith

Layla Al-Rashid3 min read

Blacksmith Fatima forges traditional swords in the old way. When martial arts master Chen commissions a ceremonial blade, the forge heats more than metal. 'Al sayf ya'aakis sahibu' (السيف يعكس صاحبه) - The sword reflects its master.

saudiblacksmithswords
Bermondsey Bliss

Bermondsey Bliss

Anastasia Chrome3 min read

Leather worker Adaeze crafts luxury goods at her Bermondsey studio. When fashion editor Marcus commissions a custom piece, she shows him her most personal work involves different kinds of handling.

ebonybritishartisan
Clerkenwell Classic

Clerkenwell Classic

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

Watchmaker Nneka restores timepieces at her Clerkenwell workshop. When heir Marcus needs his grandfather's watch repaired, she shows him that some mechanisms require very delicate handling.

ebonybritishwatchmaker
Erith Enchantment

Erith Enchantment

Anastasia Chrome3 min read

Boat builder Chiamaka constructs Thames barges at the Erith yard. When marine artist Marcus comes to paint her work, she shows him that hulls aren't the only curves worth appreciating.

ebonybritishboat-builder
Norwood Junction Jewel

Norwood Junction Jewel

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

Jewelry maker Adanna crafts bespoke pieces from her Norwood Junction workshop. When architect Marcus commissions an engagement ring, she shows him that some treasures aren't worn on fingers.

ebonybritishjeweler
The Dhow Builder's Apprentice | مُتَعَلِّمُ صِناعَةِ الدُّهُونِ

The Dhow Builder's Apprentice | مُتَعَلِّمُ صِناعَةِ الدُّهُونِ

Anastasia Chrome3 min read

A young orphan learns the sacred art of building traditional Omani sailing ships

classical-arabicarabicomani
The Indigo Dyer | صَبَّاغُ النِّيلَةِ

The Indigo Dyer | صَبَّاغُ النِّيلَةِ

Anastasia Chrome3 min read

A master dyer discovers that his colors hold the power to influence emotions

classical-arabicarabicomani
The Lantern Maker | صانِعُ الفَوانِيسِ

The Lantern Maker | صانِعُ الفَوانِيسِ

Anastasia Chrome3 min read

A craftsman's lanterns hold magical properties that protect against evil spirits

classical-arabicarabicomani
The Shipbuilder of Sur | صانِعُ السُّفُنِ فِي صُور

The Shipbuilder of Sur | صانِعُ السُّفُنِ فِي صُور

Anastasia Chrome3 min read

A master shipbuilder crafts his final masterpiece while passing his legacy to an unlikely apprentice

classical-arabicarabicomani
The Silversmith of Muscat | صائِغُ الفِضَّةِ فِي مَسْقَط

The Silversmith of Muscat | صائِغُ الفِضَّةِ فِي مَسْقَط

Anastasia Chrome3 min read

A master silversmith creates a legendary khanjar for the Sultan while facing a rival's treachery

classical-arabicarabicomani
The Weaver of Bahla | نَسَّاجَةُ بَهْلا

The Weaver of Bahla | نَسَّاجَةُ بَهْلا

Anastasia Chrome2 min read

A mysterious weaver creates textiles that tell the future of those who wear them

classical-arabicarabicomani