Antique hunting in Lebanon yields surprising finds. The country's history under Ottoman, French Mandate, and post-independence rule left a layered material culture — from inlaid mother-of-pearl chests to art deco glassware.
Where to look
- Beirut's Saifi Village area, Achrafieh, and Mar Mikhael.
- Tripoli's old souks for traditional Levantine pieces.
- Mount Lebanon mountain villages — many old houses sell direct.
- Auction houses in Beirut for higher-end pieces.
Common categories
- Inlaid mother-of-pearl boxes, screens, and chests.
- Ottoman-era brass and copper trays, coffee pots, lanterns.
- French-era furniture: armoires, mirrors, sideboards.
- Silver: teapots, candlesticks, cutlery.
- Damascene-style swords (often modern reproductions).
- Old maps, prints, and orientalist paintings.
Authentication
- Ask for provenance — where did the piece come from?
- Look for tool marks consistent with the period (hand chiselling vs machine).
- Patina on metal and wood is hard to fake; uniform aging is a warning sign.
- Expect dealers to negotiate — listed price is rarely the real price.
