The Primal Elegance of Bone Inlay and Horn Furniture
When looking for design pieces that aren’t merely functional but also make a bold, visual statement, look no further than bone inlay and horn furniture.
Want not, waste not, as the old adage goes. Exemplifying the utilitarian spirit of recycling, bone inlay and horn furniture adds a touch of primal beauty to any space they inhabit. These materials can be implemented in a variety of striking ways – from elegant to rustic – and elevates any aesthetic with conversation-starting appeal.
Bone Inlay
The art of bone inlay is specific to the Udaipur region of India, where this intricate and delicate skill is handed down through the generations.
Inlay is the decorative technique of inserting pieces of contrasting – often colored – materials into depressions in a base object to form patterns that are flush with the matrix. Inlay in wood furniture differs from marquetry (a similar technique that largely replaced it in high-style European furniture during the 17th century) in that marquetry is an assembly of veneers applied over the entire surface of an object, whereas inlay consists of small pieces inserted on the bed of cut spaces in the base material, of which most remains visible.
The production of bone inlay is a three step process and requires up to a month to create per piece. First, the fragments of bones are shaped delicately with machines or cutter saws. These intricate shapes are then affixed onto timber frames in a detailed pattern. After this, resin is filled around the bone shapes to craft the background. These shapes are offset by the striking color of the resin to create an exotic-looking piece of furniture – with their gorgeous and exclusive patterns, no two pieces are identical.
Horn Furniture
Horn furniture makes for dynamic conversation pieces in any home or office. Manufactured completely by shed antlers or antler elements from cattle, sheep, goats, antelopes or deer, horn furniture is as durable as it is eye-catching.
Horn is a hard, keratinous substance that can be used whole, or as wall paneling, and comes in tones ranging from light to dark. Horn is also very resilient to liquid and doesn’t absorb spills, providing plenty of time to clean up before any sort of real damage can take place. The highly individualized nature of these materials has brought new and exciting finishes to the furniture and design industry.
When it comes to bone inlay and horn furniture, no one can deny the meticulous attention to detail – or the bold, rustic charm – that they provide for homes and businesses alike.
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ERIC BRAND
Founded in 1996 and based in San Francisco, Eric Brand offers custom-styled furniture and worldwide sourcing along with exquisite materials and finishes, specifically for the high-end residential design market and hospitality industry.
JUNIPER
Named after the fog-licked Juniper trees on the hills of San Francisco, Juniper is an in-stock furniture collection by Eric Brand that pays homage to timeless materials, techniques and silhouettes – brought to life through expert craftsmanship.