Marquetry....or Wood inlay work....

On my recent trip to Mysore, I stopped by at a place called Srirangapatna. It had been years since I visited this old and famous temple. Although I had admired this town...this time more from a designer's perspective. Today, I would like to discuss about an artwork, that I have grownup seeing in most of the traditionaly decorated houses in Mysore and around. This artwork by the local artisans is called MARQUETRY. In simple words...we call it the wood inlay work. This is similiar to Marble inlay work. Traditionally, Mysore artisans were known to work with rose wood and ivory. Lovely rosewood doors with ivory inlay are still preserved at Mysore Palace and is a treat to the eyes. These doors have won many accolades at the international fairs all over the world. Today, rosewood and ivory are very expensive and so is subsituted by other compressed woods. The artisans have to spend hours of work to detail out a master piece with intricate patterns. Marquetry is the art of inlaying wood or ivory on another wooden surface to form a pattern. Generally, themes such as elephants, florals or a nature scene are typical of Mysore artisans. I spotted a few such pieces from a street artist here. Please take a look at them. Sleek bed side tables, center tables, art frames, coasters, Polster beds are an excellent choice for Marquetry.