Have you ever created an image or shape by cutting several pieces of paper or wood and placing them together? If these pieces are arranged together on a two-dimensional surface, this art is called inlay work. In this article, we would like to introduce you to stone inlay. Stay with us.
The Art of Stone Inlay
Stone inlay has been present in Iran since ancient times, used both for beautifying buildings and in the making of handicrafts. There are different types of inlay, where small pieces of materials such as wood, fabric, tiles, metal, etc., are placed together to form geometric or drawn patterns.
Stone inlay is a type of inlay that can be defined as the process of joining stones of varying sizes and colors, or pebbles, to create an artistic design based on a specific pattern. This art form is typically used for covering large flat surfaces to ensure the design is properly displayed.
What is Stone Inlay?
In terms of language, inlay refers to anything with veins or patterns. In this specific art form, it involves creating designs by placing various colored materials of a particular kind (e.g., wood, tiles, stones, etc.) together.
Stone inlay involves cutting, arranging, and gluing colorful layers of stone to create patterns and designs using cutting and grinding tools.
Stone inlay is typically executed on large, flat surfaces such as the floors of luxurious halls, hotel lobbies, and upscale residential buildings. As a result, you can find these artistic works in hallways, entrances, rooms, and more. This beautiful art can be seen in most hotels, public halls, and buildings.
History of Stone Inlay
The exact origin of this art is not clear, but examples of it remain in historical buildings. For example, in the Sun Palace, which dates back to the Afsharid period during the reign of Nader Shah, the art of stone inlay and sculpting is visible. Another example is an inlaid stone inscription in the historical building of the House of God (Khoday Khaneh), part of the Atiq Mosque in Shiraz. This building, dating back to before the 8th century AH, was renovated during the Ilkhanid period. The inscription, made of inlaid stone and tiles, is significant both decoratively and historically.
What Stones Are Used for Inlay?
The art of stone inlay is highly valued because it utilizes stone scraps and waste materials, creating beautiful and valuable designs with inexpensive stones. A variety of colors are used, making it a fusion of art and economics.
Stone inlay is often applied on large flat surfaces, such as the floors of luxurious halls, hotel lobbies, and upscale residential buildings. Key stones used in inlay include marble, green and pink marble, various colored travertines, green, white, and orange onyx, among others. This art can also be applied to ceramics, which offer a wide range of colors and patterns at more affordable prices compared to stone.
Advantages of Stone Inlay in Construction
In architecture, stone plays a crucial role. One of the primary features of stone inlay is its beauty and appearance. The use of inlaid stone enhances the visibility and value of a building. Stone inlay has a higher decorative value than other stones as it is considered an artistic element and is a key component in interior decoration. In classic-style buildings, stone inlay designs contribute significantly to creating a traditional and classic ambiance.
Steps to Produce Stone Inlay
First, the initial design is selected, transferred to cardboard, and cut out as a template. The pieces of the template are then glued onto selected layered stones and cut. The work surface is coated with adhesive materials, and the cut stone pieces are arranged on it. Brass strips are placed around the stone pieces to create a frame. The template is removed from the stone surface with water, and the work is left to dry. Any remaining gaps are filled with adhesive material. The surface is then smoothed with a grinding machine, and small cracks or gaps are filled. Finally, the work is polished with simple tools and special powders, and a final cleaning is done.
Techniques for Creating Stone and Tile Inlay Inscription
The artist transfers the overall design of the inscription onto the prepared stone surface using the tracing method. Based on the artist’s vision, the area around the inscription is carved until the inscription stands out, and tile inlay is placed around it. After the carving is completed, the stone pieces within the rectangular frame are installed using mortar. Then, the gaps are filled with pieces of carved tile, typically with an Islamic floral design. These tiles are arranged seamlessly, ensuring that the letters of the inscription do not disrupt their continuity.
Primary Materials Used
Colored stones, especially marble
Copper or brass metal strips
Tools Used
Various chisels
Several types of hammers
Various stone carving tools
Several types of stone carving chisels
Where Is Stone Inlay Used?
Lobby floors
Buildings
Entrances
Hallways
Reception hall floors
Rooms
Tabletops
Hotels
Buildings
Types of Stone Inlay
Stone inlay can be categorized according to the type of stone used, including:
Marble
Travertine
Granite
It can also be categorized based on the designs and patterns, including:
Traditional designs
Islimi-Khatai designs
Varied designs and patterns
Methods of Stone Inlay (Mosaic Method)
One method of stone inlay is the mosaic technique, where stones of various sizes are cut into square or other geometric shapes, generally around 1 cm, and arranged according to a pre-determined design.
Artists select different surface types based on the needs of the project. The mosaic method is labor-intensive and time-consuming, but due to its simplicity in terms of tools used, it is more common and widely practiced.
Handmade Method
The handmade stone inlay method is one of the more common methods in Iran, though it has been in practice for less than 20 years. Here is a breakdown of the steps:
Selecting the Frame and Surface: The artist chooses the surface on which the project will be executed, usually using affordable slab stones like travertine.
Drawing the Design: The design is marked on the surface using soot or carbon, with various resources for inspiration.
Placing Bronze Strips: After the design is drawn, bronze strips are placed around the design areas to provide spaces for stone placement.
Gluing Stones: Colored stones are glued into place based on the design, using appropriate adhesive. After the stones are glued, the project is sanded in two stages.
Final Polishing: Once the project is completed, the final polishing is done with simple tools and special powders.
Final Thoughts
Stone inlay, whether using stone, tiles, wood, or other materials, creates geometric or drawn patterns by placing pieces together. This artistic method has been an important part of Iranian architecture and handicrafts for centuries.
