Definition Of Intarsia Wood
Intarsia Wood is the use of varied colored wood in different shapes and sizes to create an illusion of depth as a mosaic within an inlay. The process allows for the cut pieces to fit together like a puzzle as they are glued to a backing board.
Historically other materials have been used in conjunction with wood. These materials have been bone, ivory, and stone such as marble. These alternative materials allow for greater contrast, color, and depth to the Intarsia Wood.
History Of Intarsia Wood – Origins
The origin of this art is often linked to Italy. If one does this then we miss a major development in the history of Intarsia Wood. Its beginning can be found tied to the rise of the Islamic world.
Between AD 639 to 646 the Rashidun Caliphate took control of Egypt ending the centuries long rule of the former Roman and then Byzantine Empire.
It is here that we begin to see the true rise of Intarsia Wood throughout the broader world. Due to this marker of history it is clear that its origins are related to the peoples of this region.
Rather than this art spreading northward towards Europe, it first spread throughout the Maghreb. These countries included what we know as modern day Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Here the art of Intarsia would be perfected before it would later be introduced to Europe through Sicily and Andalusia. While Italy would play a critical role in its spread, by no means was it the source of the art.
Intarsia Wood Introduction To Europe
It is possible that the first introduction of Intarsia Wood to Europe came through conflict rather than peaceful exchange. Often overlooked is the Umayyad conquest of Hispania.
The North African Berbers “Moors” invaded Spain in 711 AD. At its peak they controlled much of not only Spain but also Portugal. Included with these conquests is the taking of Mazara in Sicily.
Rather than cultural exchange being the driving force behind the spread of Intarsia, it is possible its introduction came through these conquest and assimilation.
The problem of this time was that Middle Ages Europe was not ready for cultural development. In a world where reading and writing was often left to monks, the arts were not a focus in society.
It would require the Renaissance for the appreciation of Intarsia Wood to be found and see it flourish in Europe.
Intarsia Wood In Renaissance Europe
The most notable locations for Intarsia Wood to flourish in Renaissance Europe can be found within Italy. Among the first places to see its grand nature displayed can be seen within the Cathedral of Orvieto in Umbria of Central Italy.
It would take near 200 years for this art to spread across Europe. By the 16th Century Intarsia Wood could be found in London England.
Among the most notable pieces to be found is the “Plus Oultra” cabinet made for Charles V. This cabinet was made by an Italian craftsman and displayed the victory of Gideon over the Midianites.
This piece of Intarsia Wood Art was to signify Charles V as the legitimate successor of the Holy Roman Empire. While Italy may have been the epicenter of Intarsia Wood, its spread through Germany and to London notes its popularity and growth as an art.
Evolution From Intarsia To Marquetry
There is a close relationship between Intarsia and Marquetry yet they are different. While Marquetry can find its origins in France, its concept is taken from older works of Intarsia.
The key difference is the use of wood veneer to construct ornate designs within a wood surface. By 1620 most cabinet work within Europe has shifted away from Intarsia to Marquetry.
The reason for this shift was due to advancement by technique, technology, and adaptation for more practical common use. While this by today’s standards would still be called an art made by craftsmen, it was a shift to allow for easier production with greater scale.
This close relationship to Intarsia remained until near 1760 with the onset of the Industrial Revolution. While these arts still existed, common use of materials and production shifted away from Intarsia long before.
It would seem that Intarsia Wood Art would forever remain in history. Yet an uncommon revival would take place in the 1980’s.
1980’s Intarsia Wood
The 1980’s would bring a surprising rise to an older art. Intarsia Wood would return and rise in popularity. Wood artists found the art appealing and profitable with the aid of modern tools.
The scroll saw became the main tool to use in creating Intarsia Art. Some artists also used the band saw. Within France, Marquetry also once again saw a rebirth through a man named Georges Vriz.
While this art would never regain the level of popularity which it found within the Renaissance, it would remain as a revived wood art and craft.
Today its impact can be seen across many wood furnishings through designs which are used incorporating this art. Most people within the modern world own at least one piece of furniture using its concepts or techniques.
Corporations and designers have used this older art to build aesthetics and appeal into their brand. Today we recognize its beauty without ever realizing or knowing its origin.
Modern Practical Uses Of Intarsia Art In Woodworking
Wood artists and hobby shops across the globe can easily use Intarsia Wood Art. Among its most common use can be found within box art.
Box art can be used on keepsake boxes, jewelery boxes, and even wood chests. It requires minimal tools. Notably all one must have is a table saw, scroll saw, and miter gauge.
While other optional tools can make life easier in its creation, this simplicity makes the Intarsia Art something young teens could learn to make.
Within the crafting world it is easy to find this art made into forms of objects. Animals and landscapes are common to find and often sold by craft vendors. While this is Intarsia in its most simplistic form, the art has more truly become more of a craft.
Modern Intarsia Wood Art Use In Panel Art
Among the more notable uses of Intarsia Wood can be found within panel art. This heralds back to its origins and intended uses.
The process today though is quite different from that of history. Cnc milling allows for these Intarsia pieces to be cut out in a mass produced format.
Alternatively the cnc mill can also cut to remove material from the backing board so that it will accept the designated “puzzle piece”. Here the two pieces fit together like a hand to a glove.
Other modifications to its use allow for the art to be used in multiple layers of panels. These layers create depth to the scenery of the art.
This is achieved by machines removing wood material in a different way for each panel. The first layer may be a landscape. The second layer may include animal shapes. The third layer can add trees.
When these layered panels are stacked upon one another they create a three dimensional scenery. A backing board is used most often of a single color to add contrast.
You can find these pieces all over Etsy. They are commonly associated with marketing terms like “3d layered wood art” or “laser cutting art”. Others use paper cutting to achieve a similar effect with a lightbox.
From Intarsia Art To Modern Craft
What was once an art has now become a common craft. Technology has allowed for these pieces to be mass produced without the need for an artist.
Despite the market being overrun with these cheap crafts, some Intarsia artists still remain. More genuinely crafted pieces are very different in terms of quality of craftsmanship.
It is unfortunate that these quality pieces are near to being a dead art. A search online will give you more downloads for cut outs which are craft related than you can sift through in a day.
Many of these places will bill them as “art”, yet it is anything but art when compared to what was accomplished within history.
It is clear that this art form has been lost to us within its traditional context. The rebirth of Intarsia Wood will now remain more as a craft.
A Beginners Start With Intarsia Wood
If you are looking to begin crafting or creating art with wood Intarsia Wood then there are many places where you can begin exploring. As stated before, patterns can be easily had for an affordable price with a search in Google.
I do wish to give you a suggestion here though. Be wary of buying some tools from these same vendors. Why do I say this?
In my searching for this article, as I do virtually nothing with crafts, I discovered something. One location was offering to sell a band saw for Intarsia crafting.
The price of this band saw was severely overblown. They were asking $1,500 for what should have been near $600. At the price they were asking you could have a free standing 17 inch Grizzly band saw.
The site was catering to “Intarsia Art” from a craft perspective then targeting those who clearly would know little about woodworking. I personally see this as being predatory based upon the ignorance of someone seeking to explore art or crafting.
If you are new to woodworking and Intarsia Art has caught your attention, look into a scroll saw first. They can be had very cheaply especially when used compared to new. These are also safer for family use as a hobby.
This should not be an expensive art to delve into. Many patterns you should not have to pay for. Silhouette art can be had freely via Google images for Intarsia crafting.
Intermediary Intarsia Wood Art
If you are looking to explore a more immersive experience within Intarsia Wood Art I would suggest more than a scroll saw. Yet do not discount how effective that tool is.
A band saw can help you within this art and is often recommended, but it requires a lot more skill. The key to its need comes down to the scale of the art. Bigger pieces need bigger machinery.
Yet there is one other cheaper alternative that can give you exactly what you need that I prefer over a band saw. Consider using a router for Intarsia Art.
A router can be placed onto a larger panel which no saw can accommodate. Patterns are created that the router then traces. Hard boundaries can be used as stops if needed or desired.
The price difference is huge between these two tools especially when considering the need for larger Intarsia Wood pieces.
Not only is a router cheaper, it is more effective for panels. Again here this does not need to be expensive. Most hobby shops have at least one router laying around within their shop.
Advanced To Expert Intarsia Wood Art
Personally I do not work with Intarsia Wood on this level as I prefer old school wood carving. That is just my flavor. Yet I do know the process you would need to achieve the art at this scope.
I would suggest using the previously mentioned tools to great precision, especially the router when possible. Yet a sled can be made of aluminum parts which a router can be mounted to.
Often these sled designs are used for furniture making and leveling table tops. The same concept can work for Intarsia Wood as a kind of manual by hand “cnc mill”.
Alternatively if you are serious about woodworking then you most likely have a cnc mill on your radar. While I would never build a cnc mill just for Intarsia Art, it most certainly is within the scope of handling it.
What you gain with numeric control is the utmost precision. What you lose is the hands on experience. In between you begin to blur the lines of what is art and manufactured, yet depending upon its scope it may still be able to be called art.