Intarsia in Ilocos

Intarsia – a form of wood laying within a solid matrix. It is a craft using varied shapes, sizes and species of wood fitted created together to create an almost 3-D inlaid, mosaic-like picture. The word intarsia came from the Latin word ‘intersere’ which means ‘to insert’ developed in Siena, Italy in the 13th century by crafters using inlays of ivory inserted in wood as well as wood inserted in wall murals, table tops and other furniture. Originally though, the art of Intarsia was developed in the Islamic world and introduced into Europe through Sicily before it was finally perfected in Siena. (Lifted from Wikipedia).

Ron, my brother in law, makes Intarsia and four of his “handcrafted” artworks are located in our family house in Piddig, Ilocos Norte, one is Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, and two in Manila. Above (“Horse”) is the piece Ron brought as present to us when he first visited in November 2004.

Here is a piece dedicated to my father who loved the sports of ‘cockfighting’:

See more at the next page.

Here is a piece (“Bowl of Fruit”) which made me realized that there is such a wood with a natural shade of violet! 

Here’s my personal favorite (“Hubo”) because of it’s intricacy and the number of pieces involved:

Here is the piece (“Pig”) located at my sister’s house in Sarrat:

This piece (“Lighthouse”) hangs at my apartment in San Miguel, Manila:

And here is a piece(“Kite”) done especially for  Kite on her 7th birthday which currently hangs at their house in San Juan, Metro Manila:

Intarsia’s (here) are all-natural wood with an all-natural shades of colors as they appear. If at all, the only coating applied is “varnish” for a polished finished and for protection.