What is intarsia?
Intarsia is an inlay technique in which pieces of wood of different colour, species and grain are set into a wooden base to form a flat picture or pattern. The pieces are cut to fit, recessed into the base timber and let in, so that one smooth, continuous surface results. The technique is used mainly on furniture, panels, doors and wainscoting.
Method
In intarsia you “paint” with the colour and figure of the wood:
- Choice of material — different wood species supply the colours, from pale maple to dark walnut or rosewood; the grain direction also shapes the effect.
- Fitting and letting in — each piece is cut exactly to size and glued into a recessed cavity, so it stays flush with its surroundings.
- Finishing — after inlaying, the whole is sanded and finished with oil, wax or lacquer.
Difference from marquetry and wood mosaic
Intarsia is often confused with marquetry. In marquetry, thin veneer pieces are assembled into a sheet and glued onto the base as a whole. In classic intarsia, the pieces are let directly into the solid base timber. In modern woodworking, “intarsia” also refers to work in which pieces of varying thickness form a slight relief. Fine examples can be found in Italian Renaissance furniture and choir stalls.
| Marquetry | Thin veneer pieces are assembled into a sheet and glued onto the base as a whole. |
|---|---|
| Classic intarsia | The pieces are let directly into the solid base timber. |
| Modern intarsia (modern woodworking) | Pieces of varying thickness form a slight relief. |
Related terms
- Wood
- Veneer
- Wood carving
- Wood species
- Timber joints
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