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Marquetry is the art of inlaying different colors of wood or other materials like ivory into a wood surface to form pictures or intricate designs. It is done in several parts of the world, and in India this craft flourished in the 17th century under the patronage of the royalty of Mysore, Karnataka. The Mysore Palace showcases some of the best marquetry works in the world. 
What sets this craft apart from other traditional crafts is that it is highly patronised even today. The
Mysore Fine Arts College offers special course in wood inlay! The craftsmen have evolved the techniques to
sustain the craft. They have learned to create newer designs and use alternative varieties of wood to replace
the expensive rosewood. Designers have also introduced the idea of using recycled mdf (medium density fibre) boards
as the surface to reduce deforestation. They also learnt to make inlay
work more affordable by replacing ivory with horns and bones and lately by plastic sheets.
Inlay Process>>>
Use of alternative wood/inlay material does not imply reduced craftsmanship or effort. The craftsman still has to spend
hundreds of man hours to produce one good piece of inlay work. The work starts with a detailed sketch of the
product having the dimensions and scale. The artisan cuts the relief from various coloured woods with utmost
attention to detail. Then he works on the surface and cuts grooves on it to fit the spliced pieces of wood.
For ivory inlay, small incisions are made on the surface as per the design. The spliced wood is then fitted
on the surface, nailed together, pressed in mechanical presses, and finally polished several times with some final touches.
The beauty of Mysore inlay work is in the extent of detailing and intricacy of patterns. Typical articles made with inlay work are furniture, boxes, pen-stands, bowls, panels and wall hangings. |