Both ivory and bone were carved in relief panels, often with two or three strips forming a single inlay.
Only ivory was used for openwork.

After carving the surfaces were smoothed and lightly polished.
Traces of colour survive, showing the use of alternating red and blue pigments, and the highlighting of plain backgrounds with red or black.
The mineral pigment vermilion and the organic colorant indigo have been identified.

The inlays were attached to what have been identified as chairs and footstools by copper alloy rivets, through pre-drilled holes.
The woodwork itself has disintegrated, preventing identification of the species and source of the timber, but metal nails and clamps survive.
Both ivory and bone were carved in relief panels, often with two or three strips forming a single inlay. Only ivory was used for openwork.
After carving the surfaces were smoothed and lightly polished. Traces of colour survive, showing the use of alternating red and blue pigments, and the highlighting of plain backgrounds with red or black. The mineral pigment vermilion and the organic colorant indigo have been identified.
The inlays were attached to what have been identified as chairs and footstools by copper alloy rivets, through pre-drilled holes. The woodwork itself has disintegrated, preventing identification of the species and source of the timber, but metal nails and clamps survive.
Begram ivories