Marquetry

Mastered to mastery by Louis XIV's and Louis XV's supernumerary ebenist, Andre-Charles Boulle, marquetry is synonymous with refined, luxurious decoration. Extremely rich and composed of many types of decorative materials, marquetry is a true mosaic of old-world luxury.

What is marquetry? 

The word marquetry comes from the French marqueterie, meaning mosaic. The technique involves using two different materials of the same thickness and cutting them in a single pattern, which are superimposed on each other. The materials thus prepared are arranged on the furniture in an alternating composition. Initially, two different types of wood were used, but it was through the French ebenists, including the aforementioned Boulle, that this type of decoration was perfected with the addition of metal and tortoiseshell. The metal of choice was often copper, but brass or tin was also chosen.