What is Inlay?

Inlay is the technique of inserting pieces of materials into cutouts of contrasting materials.  This technique was used by many designers, who use this type of technique to decorate items with mother of pearl or ivory.  Many of us have seen examples of this in Asian pieces, where black lacquered furniture has mother of pearl designs inset into the furniture creating a beautiful mosaic type design.  In many cases, they also used Rosewood as the base and ivory or shells to create the designs. However, one of the most prolific furniture designers that used this technique was Thomas Sheraton.