The Craft
Among the most beautiful naturally occurring substances on earth, mother of pearl brings a beguiling iridescence to the inlaid furniture made at our woodcraft atelier.
View Mother of Pearl Collection ↓
View Mother of Pearl Collection ↓
OrigiN
Mother of Pearl, this strong, resilient, and uniquely shimmering material is formed by the inner layer of certain mollusc and oyster shells, the same substance that creates a natural pearl.
Our commitment to both ethical practice and exquisite quality begins at the source. The mother of pearl we use is predominantly a byproduct of the seafood industry. We ensure a sustainable approach to sourcing that utilises natural resources without harming the environment.
Only the highest quality shells, selected for their profound depth of colour, optimal thickness and natural radiance are selected. These raw shells are then ready to be transformed by our master artisans in Morocco.
Read More ↓
![3[1]](https://490-mbzr.cliffstudio.site/wp-content/uploads/31.png)
The Moroccan art of inlay: from shell to masterpiece
The art of mother of pearl inlay is a Moorish tradition, an ancient craft passed down through generations of Moroccan Maalem.
This labour intensive process demands exceptional patience, skill and unwavering precision, culminating in the magnificent artisanal furniture destined for the world’s most luxurious palaces, hotels, and private residences.
The journey from raw shell to radiant masterpiece follows several meticulous stages.
Read More ↓
Process
1. Preparing the Nacre
The raw mollusc shell is first subjected to a manual process where the rough outer layers are delicately ground away, revealing the pure, luminous layer of nacre. The artisan then examines and selects only the most brilliant sections of the shell for the inlay work.
2. Design and Carving
The design, often an intricate tapestry of arabesque motifs, bold floral patterns, and complex geometric tessellation, is meticulously drawn onto the hardwood base. Next, with the use of specialized fine saws and chisels, the master artisan cuts each individual piece of mother of pearl into the precise shapes required by the pattern. Simultaneously, exact shapes are carved into the wooden surface, prepared to fit the shell.
3. The Mosaic Assembly
The most crucial stage of the inlay process. Each piece of the nacre is carefully positioned and set into the carved recess of the wood. The pieces are secured using natural adhesives, and some designs are enhanced further by placing fine strips of silver wire into the patterns to complement the pearl. In other styles, a contrasting coloured resin is poured into the gaps to create a vibrant background for the luminous shells.
4. The Final Polish
Once the inlay is set, the surface is sanded down by hand until the mother of pearl and the surrounding wood form a smooth, seamless plane. The final step involves polishing and varnishing the piece to protect the delicate material and, more importantly, to coax the ultimate, kaleidoscopic iridescence from the nacre – a radiant, subtle shimmer that ensures every piece is a unique work of art.
Read More ↓
Mother of Pearl Collection
Explore
