The term, marquetry, refers to a highly regarded, traditional furniture craft where curved, inlaid pieces of veneer create beautiful patterns in a background of veneer. Unlike parquetry, which has straight lines and geometric patterns (think parquet flooring), marquetry can be flowers or vines or shapes that add a distinct beauty to a table top, the front of a chest of drawers or a small piece such as a serving tray.
To create a marquetry pattern, the designs are first drawn, and then carefully cut from a thin slice of wood veneer. This thin piece is lifted out to be placed, like a puzzle, into an exact space cut in another variety of wood veneer so that the design is flush and easily seen because of the difference in veneer color.
Our artisans are masters at this art form. As you can see in this photograph, the last piece of the leaf is about to be set in place. Notice the dark edges where the veneer has been slightly singed to create the definition and texture.
As you can imagine, this meticulous process takes hours to complete, but the final product is worth all the time spent. Our artisans take great pride in finishing their tasks, as they can immediately see the beautiful results of their labors.
Maitland-Smith has many casegood pieces with marquetry inlay. Shown below is the completed floral marquetry pattern adorning the top of an occasional table.
This exquisite, detailed design stands out and brings the table top to life.
Another less traditional example of marquetry is seen on this chest with bow-front drawers and sides where the inlaid veneer creates a zebra pattern. An added challenge to our artisans is creating marquetry for a curved surface.
Finally, take a look at our Pinnacle Award-winning writer's desk where the map of the world is made of individual pieces of veneer.
These are just a few examples of the labor intensive pieces in the Maitland-Smith line where creativity and artisan craftsmanship are expressed. Truly these are heirloom-quality items that can be passed down from one generation to the next.
To see more examples of our marquetry and parquetry inlay, visit our website at www.maitland-smith.com.
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