Marquetry

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André-charles boulle, cofanetto con tartaruga, 1700-20 ca

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Intarsienbild Roentgen Zick makffm 6889

Parquetry Table

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Marquetry-TwoLovers

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Château de Versailles, appartements de la Dauphine, cabinet intérieur, secrétaire à pente, Bernard II van Riesenbergh

Silas Kopf Tangram Table

Marquetry is the art and craft of applying pieces of veneer to a structure to form decorative patterns, designs or pictures. The technique may be applied to cabinets, furniture, small objects with smooth, veneerable surfaces, or to freestanding pictorial panels appreciated in their own right. Marquetry differs from the more ancient craft of inlay, or intarsia, in which a solid body of one material is cut out to receive sections of another to form the surface pattern.

History

The practice of marquetry has its roots in the ancient world, with techniques and styles evolving significantly over time. The craft was known in the Egyptian civilization, where artisans inlaid pieces of ivory, bone, and wood into furniture and wooden objects. The technique spread through the Roman Empire, where it was used to decorate floors, walls, and furniture with intricate designs. The Renaissance period saw a resurgence in the art form, particularly in Italy and France, where it became a means of creating luxurious and elaborate decorative pieces. The 17th and 18th centuries, especially in France, are considered the golden age of marquetry, with the craft reaching its peak in terms of technique and complexity of designs.

Techniques

Marquetry involves several techniques, including the piece-by-piece and packet cutting methods. In piece-by-piece, each component of the design is individually cut and fitted together. Packet cutting involves stacking several sheets of veneer and cutting them simultaneously to produce repeating patterns. The use of a fretsaw or a marquetry saw, also known as a chevalet de marqueterie, is common in these processes. After the pieces are cut, they are glued onto the substrate. The surface is then sanded smooth and finished to protect the wood and enhance its appearance.

Materials

A variety of materials are used in marquetry, including woods of different colors and grains, shells, ivory, and metals. The choice of material depends on the desired effect and the intricacy of the design. Woods are the most commonly used material, with softer woods like walnut, mahogany, and maple being preferred for their ease of cutting and ability to hold fine detail.

Applications

Marquetry is not limited to furniture and can be found on a wide range of objects, including musical instruments, such as harpsichords and guitars, and small personal items like jewelry boxes. The technique is also used in the creation of decorative panels, which are often framed and displayed as artwork.

Contemporary Marquetry

In the modern era, marquetry continues to be a popular form of decoration, with artisans and hobbyists alike exploring both traditional and innovative designs. Advances in cutting technology, such as laser cutting, have opened up new possibilities for the craft, allowing for more intricate and delicate patterns to be created.

See Also

• Intarsia
• Woodworking
• Cabinet making
• Inlay