Intarsia, or Marquetry, are terms that can only begin to explain the profound and rich history behind the development of this handcraft technique also known as carpentry.

The word intarsia, whose origin is in the Arabic word ''tarsia'', meaning ''insert'' or ''settling (sinking).'' Even the definition itself does not fully explain that intarsia produces pieces of furniture ranging from simple, to more luxurious and complex, and include illustrative and figural decorations, as well as ornaments that are formed with precise cutting techniques. Various types of natural and artificial veneer with different shades of color and wood texture are often used in this technique.

The historical timeline of the intarsia tradition originates from the late Gothic and the early Renaissance. It is first noted in the creations of the founder of the Florentine school of marquetry, Francesco di Giovanni Matteo. In the magnificent intarsia work of the late Baroque and Rococo, intarsia reaches its baroque perfection in the works of André-Charles Boulle, the head-master of the court of Louis XIV. Back then marquetry became very

important in the interior design of the furniture and interior design in general. During the 16th century, the flourishing of this art form is related primarily to Germany, with Augsburg being the center, but the same can be said about Italy as the dominant trading and naval headquarters in Venice and Florence as well as Flemish Antwerp.

This technique was not particulary developed across the Balkans, but its presence left a mark in Vojvodina, Dalmacija, continental Croatia and Slovenia as well as in commercial channels for furniture from French, Italian and German centers across the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary.

Intarsia possesses aesthetic potential with an ability to enrich interior space through the warmth of wood.

A special thanks to

Dusan Rakic, craftsman