intarsia

in·tar·sia

noun \in-ˈtär-sē-ə\

Definition of INTARSIA

1

: a mosaic usually of wood fitted into a support; also : the art or process of making such a mosaic

2

: a colored design knitted on both sides of a fabric

Origin of INTARSIA

German, modification of Italian intarsio

First Known Use: 1867

intarsia

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Form of wood inlay. Italian intarsia, or inlaid mosaic of wood, which probably derived from East Asian ivory and wood inlay, found its richest expression during the Renaissance in Italy (c. 1400–1600). It was often used in panels over the backs of choir stalls and in private studies and chapels of princes.