From India, with love: the time-honoured craft of bone inlay furniture
Like a beloved family recipe passed down through generations, the art of bone inlay is a time-honoured tradition that has passed from the hands of one skilled artisan to another for centuries in the region of Rajasthan, India.
This intricate and time-consuming craft has long been admired and cherished in India. Now this design has made its way to Australia’s shores, where a whole new country can become rightfully enamoured with this phenomenal style. And if you’re going for the boho luxe aesthetic, bone inlay is the perfect way to bring an elegant, well-travelled look into your home.
But what exactly goes into making each piece of bone inlay furniture? We explore the story behind this exotic craft below, together with insights from Ellee Kuki-Kelekolio, Lounge Lovers' Head of Buying who travelled to India to source the items. Ellee also shares her top picks from our exclusive range below.
What is bone inlay?
Centuries ago, rich and powerful Maharajas demanded only the best, the most beautiful, the most enviable décor and furniture for their palaces. They chose bone inlay.
Extravagant pieces of furniture were commissioned, such as cabinets, chairs, tables, chests, and mirrors. Each one an artwork, each one a labour of love.
Indian bone inlay is the art of finely cutting and delicately shaping sophisticated pieces of bone, then, piece by piece, affixing these designs into furniture for an other-worldly creation of style and indulgence.
The bone pieces are off-white, grey, and cream, and can be affixed to stained timber of any hue. Typically, these timbers are deep blacks for striking contrasts, fresh greens and bright blues for ethereal vibrancy, and soft whites and greys for exquisite subtlety.
Each piece of bone is unique, and each artist adds their own hand-crafted touch to the pieces, ensuring every item of bone-inlay furniture is both one-of-a-kind and fit for a king.
"I love items with a story. The intricate talent of creating bone inlay furniture is an ancient tradition Indigenous to India and I think it is incredibly important that we keep these traditions alive in this modern world. I also love that no two pieces are the same and that they are so impactful," Ellee says.
How is bone inlay furniture created?
Every piece of modern bone inlay furniture begins with ethically sourced camel bone fragments. These fragments come from domestic camels that have passed from natural causes, with each shipment attaining Wild Life Certification.
In a process that takes a month on average per piece, the artisan begins by painstakingly cutting the fragments, shaping them into intricate and artistic shapes.
Next, the carved bone is affixed into a timber frame in a careful pattern, and set in place with a thick layer of resin. The resin is left for four to five days, then sanded down smoothly.
Finally, buffing tools are used to polish the piece for a flawless finish that highlights the uniqueness, elegance, and sheer wow factor of every inch of bone inlay furniture.
How to care for your bone inlay furniture
Bone inlay furniture requires a little more love and attention than many standard materials, but rewards you with a style more timeless and durable than many standard materials, too.
Cleaning takes nothing more than a quick wipe with a damp cloth, and never with harsh cleaning products that could damage the inlay or the resin.
If you own a bone inlay side table or other piece that is likely to see a high level of use, it is recommended to seal the surface with a grout sealant to protect the design. Without a sealant, the porous surface will be more likely to become stained or damaged from spills.
For maintenance, we recommend applying a small amount of natural furniture wax onto the surface occasionally – especially in hot, dry areas – to ensure the filler does not dry out.
Our favourite bone inlay pieces
According to Ellee, "Bone inlay is decorator’s dream! Selecting a feature piece is the hard part as there are so many beautiful pieces and it complement a range of styles. My favourite look would be our storage pieces as they can really pop in a bedroom setting."
1. Portia Mother of Pearl Inlay Dresser
The Portia Mother of Pearl Inlay Dresser is a breath-taking specimen of this traditional style. Delicate yet commanding, the bold design and intricate details make this dresser a powerful declaration of genuine style.
"I love the timeless, yet incredible on-trend nature of this dresser. The geometric pattern is absolutely mesmerizing, and it certainly is a statement piece," Ellee says.
2. Cleo Bone Inlay Bedside Table
Bring the boho luxe trend into your bedroom with this eye-catching piece. Fall asleep next to the Cleo Bone Inlay Bedside Table each night, and wake up to its contemporary tones and effortless glamour each morning.
"With a modern take on an ancient design, the Cleo fits nicely into any interior with its classic floral vines," Ellee says.
3. Niko Bone Inlay Coffee Table
Ready to wow guests? The Niko Bone Inlay Coffee Table is perfect if you’re looking to give your home that show-stopping factor. With its bold pattern and elegant black-and-white tone, the Niko adds a contemporary edge to any living room.
"The Niko Coffee Table is amazing," Ellee says. "It is a more contemporary design making it suitable for more pared back interiors. Don’t be afraid of making a statement with this piece!"
Fallen in love with bone inlay? Discover our exquisite collection of bone inlay furniture in Australia here. Each and every Lounge Lovers bone inlay piece is handcrafted with love in India — making it unique to your home.