Illustrated FURNITURE Glossary

Marquetry
Pron: MAR ki tree

Marquetry: applying small flat pieces of wood of different colors to a surface to make figurative compositions.

Marquetry: Decorative technique in which elaborate patterns are formed by inserting shaped pieces of wood or other contrasting materials into a veneer applied to another surface

Marquetry: Pattern made by setting contrasting materials into a veneered surface. The resultant decoration is flush and level. Usually, the material set in is finely grained, interestingly colored woods, but tortoiseshell, horn, metal, and mother-of-pearl are also used.

In marquetry, often referred to as "painting with wood," furniture makers use pieces of veneer to create flowers, scrolls, bouquets, and even portraits and entire scenes,

Marquetry was developed by the Italians as early as the 14th century Renaissance period, but it became popular throughout Europe in the 17th century. 

Marquetry can be imitated with lithographed transfers.

Seaweed marquetry: delicate interlacing designs in inlay suggesting marine plant life. Originating in Italy, the type was best developed in England, late in the 17th century (Baroque period),

Veneer Thin sheet of decoratively grained wood glued to the surface of inferior or inexpensive wood, such as pine.

Parquetry: Woodworkers also piece together veneer, but use them to create geometric patterns. Examples: parquet floors, a chess board with squares made from light woods and dark woods.

InlayA shaped piece of one material embedded in another as part of surface ornamentation.

Intarsia:  "Woodworking technique that uses varied shapes, sizes and species of wood that are fitted together to create a 3-dimensional, mosaic-like picture. Intarsia is created through the selection of different types of wood, using their natural grain pattern and color (but can involve the use of stains and dyes) to create variations in the pattern. After selecting the specific woods to be used within the pattern, each piece of wood is then individually cut, shaped, and sanded." - Hank Watson, History of Intarsia (online March 2018)


Examples in Buffalo:

Other examples:


Photos and their arrangement © 2005 Chuck LaChiusa
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