Different Types of Marquetry on Jewelry Box and Other Items
Marquetry is an art form that is an integral part of history. It made its appearance in the 15th century but did not become popular until the 17th century when newer tools made it easy to craft. A marquetry designed jewelry box has been popular over the centuries because of its intricate designs.
It is a form of inlay work using thin slivers of veneer. These pieces of veneer are stacked and then carved into intricate designs. Extra care is taken so that no gaps show up in the design.
Marquetry is said to have started in Egypt and slowly spread to Holland, France, England, and elsewhere. Only royal families could afford marquetry because it was so expensive. Marquetry work was done all over the palace of King Loiuis XIV in France.
The wood mainly used by the craftsmen were satin wood, rosewood, mahogany, walnut, and cherry. For the actual design a water based adhesive has to be used. In the past, straw techniques were used.
To do contrasted designs wood veneers should be of different colors and grains. Burl wood of different trees is used commonly in marquetry because of the varied patterns and beautiful colors. Mostly marquetry designs were geometrical and symmetrical in shape.
Marquetry designs were commonly done on snuff boxes, display cabinets, cigar cases, tables, and treasure chests. Marquetry work with floral designs were done on big grandfathers clocks and musical instruments in London. With technological improvements, it is relatively easy to form more intricate designs but skill is still required.
The art of marquetry is being taught in craft schools across the globe. Much contribution is made by Germany towards the design of the marquetry tools. These tools are made to last a long time.
Chisels, wood files, and hammers, used in marquetry, are now available with brass handles. Even materials like sea shells, mother of pearl, tortoise shells, silver, ivory, and brass, are used instead of wood for the inlay work. Exquisite marquetry is also done on floors in several western countries.
Considerable amount of skill and labor is involved in this. Because of the rich look it gives the tops of ordinary dressers and tables, marquetry is preferred by many. The wood that is used can be light or dark in color; what matters is that it should be able to bear the marquetry designs.
Things on which marquetry work is done are very popular and treated as collectors items. In the museums of England, France, and Holland, you can see several marquetry designed pieces. Furniture designed with marquetry can be still found in palaces around the world.
This article was written by Rachael Celia Berlie of MarqART Gift Shop. Our jewelry boxes are original works of art, no two creations are the same. Each wood shown has its own unique wood grain pattern and color. MarqART comes from combining the words marquetry (wood inlay) + Art (a creation of beauty) an apt name for our products. A fine addition to your dressing table or as a gift. Please visit http://www.marqartgiftshop.com to browse & buy exotic jewelry boxes that will give you a lifetime of pleasure!
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