Artisanal preparation of ceiling medallions (rosettes).

Ceiling medallions are made from pine wood. Compared to other elements of Gjirokastra houses which made use of different wood types, pine wood is the only type craftsmen have used in building ceiling medallions, as this type has good moisture resistance due to the changing seasons. The wood used to be found locally, while today it is imported.

Building a ceiling medallion needs some other additional tools. The layout framework or square is a piece of wood cut to the size where ceiling medallion elements will be installed. It can be different shapes that vary depending on the ceiling type and the customer’s taste.

Ceiling medallions are available in various shapes: hexagon, octagon, round and square ceiling medallions. Once the layout square is cut out, the next step is framing the ceiling medallions as per their shape. This process continues with cutting and carving the elements of the ceiling medallion. After the elements have been mounted, they are perfectly congruent with each other and feature a finished ceiling medallion.

Ceiling medallions come mainly in leaves symbol with a bay leaf predominantly appearing to show off the continuity of life. Ceiling medallions are worked with several types of chisels and after the carving and sanding, they are painted or lacquered.