Brass on Dark Wood — the Tarkashi Inlay of Mainpuri

The story

Tarkashi takes its name from tar — wire — and that is the whole craft in a word: fine brass wire hammered into dark sheesham wood until metal and timber sit perfectly flush, drawing patterns that glint as the piece moves in the light. Its home is Mainpuri, a town in western Uttar Pradesh where a small cluster of artisan families has practised the inlay for generations. The craft's most famous historical product is humble: the khadaun, the wooden sandal worn by pilgrims, priests and the devout who avoided leather footwear. Tarkashi turned this austere object ornate, with brass patterns spiralling across it. From there the technique moved onto boxes, trays, frames and tabletops — objects where the tight geometry and floral vines of tarkashi could spread across a larger field. Unlike inlay traditions that set stone or shell into wood, tarkashi is a conversation between just two materials, and its beauty depends on restraint: the warm gold of brass against the deep brown of sheesham needs no third voice. Mainpuri remains a small, quiet cluster — which makes genuine pieces all the more worth seeking out, and all the more distinctive when you find them.

How it is made

The artisan begins with well-seasoned sheesham (Indian rosewood), cut, smoothed and finished flat. The design — interlocking geometry, vines, florals — is traced onto the surface, and fine grooves are engraved along the lines with small chisels. Flattened brass wire is then laid edge-first into each groove and hammered home, the wood's own grip holding the metal without any adhesive. Where the design calls for broader accents, small brass shapes or pins are set the same way. The inlaid surface is filed, sanded and buffed until wire and wood form one unbroken plane, then polished so the brass lines shine against the dark grain. A single box lid can carry many metres of wire, every bit of it placed by hand.

Buying guide

Run your palm across the surface: the wire should sit perfectly flush, never proud or rattling. Lines should be continuous and evenly spaced, with corners crisply resolved. Check the wood for cracks and the base and hinges for finishing — good tarkashi is finished on every face, not just the lid. Small boxes and frames start around ₹600, while large trays and intricate showpieces run to ₹20,000. Denser, finer wirework means more hours, and honestly commands more.

Care

Wipe with a soft, dry cloth; brass lines can be brought back to brightness with gentle buffing. Avoid water and damp — moisture swells wood and can loosen inlay over time. Keep pieces away from direct sun and heat sources, which crack timber. An occasional wood-safe wax polish feeds the sheesham; skip harsh brass cleaners, which can bleach the surrounding wood.

Frequently asked questions