Iris just has to share this bespoke furniture success story to a returning customer from Paris. Frank and his wife had already purchased the two largest bone inlay almirahs Iris had ever made. At 2.4 my high these towering cupboards sat side by side in the bedroom of their stylish apartment. Continue reading “To Paris With Love” »
We thought we would share with you some of our special bespoke creations over the last few years. These enquiries take many forms. Some customers prefer to simply explain their requirements for bone inlay furniture with words. “I love your Almirahs but can I have one in lilac?” Or, “I would like a mother of pearl inlay bedside cupboard, just like the ones on your website but I want it a bit taller, 75cm instead of 60cm, so the cupboard section is bigger- the drawer remains same size.” Simple as can be, and here is the result, a taller charcoal mother of pearl bedside cupboard.
Continue reading “A collection of bespoke Indian inlay from Iris” »
Then tradition of Mirror Glass inlay is over 300 years old, though little is known about it outside of Udaipur. It has mainly be used in adorning wall panels in Udaipur’s many oppulent palaces. The City Palace by the shores of lake Pichola in Udaipur has some stunning examples of glass inlay wall panels, rangoli patterns of hand cut mirror fragments were laid out by palace craftsmen to create stunning and often colourful mosaics. This famous peacock with its explosion of colours is an early creation for the City Palace. Each individual piece of mirror is hand cut with a scissor like tool that takes skill and care, and the end result is a reflective, shimmering expression of Rajasthani style. Like Indian bone inlay, glass inlay can be applied to furniture too. Here is an example of a glass inlay geometric chest of drawers. Imagine the patience, skill and artistic mastery required to create this complex geometric pattern by hand.
Continue reading “Mirror Glass inlay furniture” »
We have come across all sorts of bone inlay accessories on our Rajasthani travels. Beautiful bone fruit bowls in a variety of colors offer an eye catching statement of Indian style. Mother of pearl and camel bone inlay furniture can be beautifully complimented with small and useful inlaid trays or pen holders or tissue boxes. As you can see here any pattern and colour can be applied and they come in all shapes and sizes. Continue reading “Free inlaid accessories from Iris!” »
Iris is starting the year as we mean to go on, taking delivery of a container of beautiful Indian inlay furniture. Mother of pearl and camel bone inlaid furniture in a plethora of colours, much of it bespoke made to measure orders. The black bone inlay sideboard with 6 drawers was designed by the customer over a few emails with Iris. Simple sketches were exchanged until we had the design agreed and photos are sent just after manufacture to check the customer is happy with the product before it leaves India. Continue reading “New Year, more bespoke furniture” »
Our most creative and inspired chief inlay furniture designer has been at it again. With typical artistry he has created this solaris geometric bone inlay chest with a matching bone inlay bedside. Iris is going to add this one to the range, as usual you can order this new pattern in any colour, with bone, mother of pearl or acrylic inlay. Continue reading “Creative Chief Inlay Furniture Designer Has Been At It Again” »
The scope of some of our recent bespoke items is far reaching, and represents quite a departure from the traditional inlay items found on the site. Continue reading “Bespoke In Every Way, The Only Limit Is Your Imagination” »
Our chief furniture maker in Udaipur used to be a “miniature artist”, a tradition that has long been associated with the lake city, and examples of miniature paintings can be seen throughout the shops and cafes that surround lake Pichola. Traditional Hindu scenes are painted on to silk or paper with incredibly fine brushes, some with only one hair, and the level of detail is truly stunning.
Continue reading “Indian Furniture: A Rajasthani Adventure – Part 3” »
Iris loves the history and traditions behind the furniture we sell. It is a genuine love for India that inspired our business in the first place. We visit Rajasthan at least twice a year and have a real friendship with our suppliers. Continue reading “Indian Furniture: A Rajasthani Adventure – Part 2” »
I was interested in uncovering the history of inlay furniture during my latest trip to Rajasthan. I took a trip to the famous City Palace in Udaipur, built by the Maharaja Udai Sing in the late 16th century. I learned that the city of Udaipur was built as a safer more defendable refuge from the Mughal invasion that was threatening north India. Continue reading “Indian Furniture: A Rajasthani Adventure – Part 1” »