---
title: "Damask"
description: "Damask is a reversible figured fabric whose pattern is formed by contrasting weave structures, usually satin against its own reverse, in a single colour."
type: Glossary
url: https://teazle.art/glossary/damask
published: 2026-10-14
updated: 2026-10-14
author: "The Teazle editors"
---

# Damask

*Damask is a reversible figured fabric whose pattern is formed by contrasting weave structures, usually satin against its own reverse, in a single colour.*

In a damask the pattern and the background are woven in different structures, typically the warp-faced and weft-faced sides of a [satin](https://teazle.art/glossary/satin.md). Even in one colour the design shows, because the two areas catch the light differently. The fabric is reversible: the pattern appears in negative on the back.

## Where does the name come from?

The name points to Damascus, long associated with luxury figured silks. Damask has been woven in silk for dress and furnishing and in linen for table cloths. Unlike [brocade](https://teazle.art/glossary/brocade.md), it uses no extra pattern threads.


## Sources

1. [Damask (AAT 300163295)](http://vocab.getty.edu/page/aat/300163295). Getty Art & Architecture Thesaurus
2. [Damask (Q901382)](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q901382). Wikidata

Canonical: https://teazle.art/glossary/damask