The art of wood inlay

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The art of wood inlay

For Bruno Ballabio, wood has always been more than a material: it is a living presence, a language learned over a lifetime. Son of a carpenter, Ballabio grew up surrounded by the scent of wood and conversations about furniture. Today, after more than forty years devoted to his craft, wood inlay remains both his profession and his deepest passion.

Wood inlay is a refined and creative art, where no two pieces are ever the same. Each project begins with a design and the careful preparation of the base veneer—whether burl or feather grain—pressed and smoothed to achieve perfect flatness. Wood may appear still, but it is constantly responsive to humidity, temperature and air, demanding experience and sensitivity from the artisan who works it.

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The process continues with fretwork, through which ornaments, flowers and decorative motifs are cut and assembled by selecting different types of wood, each chosen for its grain, tone and expressive potential. This dialogue between materials allows the inlay to take shape, piece by piece, guided by the hand and eye of the master craftsman.

The most delicate and secret phase is shading. To give depth and movement to the design, each element is immersed in hot sand, creating subtle tonal transitions that bring flowers and ornaments to life. It is a rare technique, known to few, and one that requires precision, patience and profound knowledge of the material.

In the final stage, every shaded fragment is placed onto adhesive paper, composing the full inlay. This is the moment when the design truly comes alive, revealing its harmony, balance and narrative power.

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Collaboration plays a central role in Ballabio’s work. The dialogue with designers is essential: ideas are exchanged, visions refined, and technical knowledge shared. “I always learn something,” he explains, “and I help the designer bring the project to completion.” When craftsmanship and design meet in perfect balance, the result is a creation of exceptional quality.

Through the art of wood inlay, Jumbo Collection preserves a noble tradition of classical furniture-making, transforming wood into timeless decorative stories—where technique, creativity and passion converge in every detail.

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