Inlay: Why is it considered a great technique and what is it used for?

If you have visited Granada, you will have noticed the craft technique so characteristic that you can find all over the city. This technique is the inlay, of Nasrid origin, which has endured over the centuries, maintaining itself as a cultural and artistic legacy of great value. This tradition has its roots in the Alhambra and in the old palaces of the Islamic era in Granada.

In this article, we talk about the history of the inlay, how it is manufactured and its decorative importance. At Decoraciones Alcazaba we have a collection of moroccan decorations, where you can find products decorated with inlay, Among many other things.

What is the inlay?

La inlay It consists of inserting pieces of different materials, such as wood, ivory, mother-of-pearl or metal, on a wooden surface. These pieces are meticulously cut and assembled to create geometric designs, figures, and decorative patterns. Originally from the Nasrid period in Granada, the inlay was applied to everyday wooden objects that they became noble pieces that could only be owned by members of the more affluent classes.

During the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, the technique of inlay had its greatest splendor. It was used above all to decorate the interiors of palaces and residences of the nobility; However, the Alhambra is one of main exponents of the inlaid. The ceilings, walls, doors and furniture of the Alhambra were adorned with elaborate inlay designs which reflected the sophistication and refinement of Islamic art.

Today, you can visit the remains of inlaid wood in the Alhambra museum. After the conquest of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492, the inlay continued to be developed, although with some influences from Renaissance art and culture. This technique spread throughout the peninsula, so that there were inlay workshops in places like Seville or Toledo.

How is this art made of wood?

La inlay manufacturing implies skill, precision and a lot of patience. Although each craftsman has his own manufacturing process, we describe below the general steps to make this art:

1. Material design. First, pattern is designed to be performed on the wooden surface. The materials to be used are chosen, such as wood of different shades, ivory, mother-of-pearl or other embedded materials.
2. The wood is prepared, sanded and shaped and dimensions required for the project. You can make a drawing or have a template on the wood to guide the process of inserting the pieces.
3. Cut the pieces. The different materials are cut into small pieces according to the shapes and sizes needed for the design. This can be done with saws, chisels, or other specialized tools.
4. assembly. The pieces are being assembled meticulously on the wooden surface, following the previously established design. To fix the pieces in their correct place, we recommend using special glues or hot wax.
5. Adjustments and polishing. Once all the pieces are in place, surface is carefully sanded to level and smooth any irregularities. A protective finish, such as varnish or oil, is then applied to bring out the colors and protect the wood.
6. final finish. Finally, a final polishing is done to obtain a shiny and smooth finish. Additional details such as metal inlays or engravings can be added to further enhance the design.

decorative inlaid elements

La inlay has a wide range of designs and patterns. As we have commented, each design depends on the artisan who makes it, but according to tradition, the most used decorative elements in this technique are:

• Geometry. Geometry is a distinctive feature of inlay. Islamic art implanted geometry in practically all its designs, so the inlay could not be less. Remember that the Alhambra itself was decorated using this technique!
• Arabic Calligraphy: The arabic calligraphy, with its intricate shapes and curves, is often used in inlay to add a touch of elegance and cultural significance to pieces.
• Stars and medallions. are used to highlight the center of attention and create focal points in designs.
• Inlaid details: Different materials, such as ivory, mother-of-pearl, or precious metals, are used to create inlaid details on the wood surface. These details add brightness and visual contrast to inlay pieces.