The Interesting History of American Marquetry
Decorating with wood is the best possible way to describe the art of Marquetry. Veneers are used to adorn the wooden surfaces of objects in an ornamental way. Multi-colored veneers are cut into different shapes and sizes and are then glued onto wooden surfaces in some decorative designs.
For centuries now, the art of Marquetry has been used to beautify wooden furniture and ornamental objects made of wood. This was an art form popular in the European region since the 17th century. It is this that inspired the American tradition of Marquetry.
In the 19th century German immigrants brought Marquetry to America. It was vastly different from the mechanized form of the wood industry then. Some unimaginably beautiful pieces of wood work were created with a few hand tools and glue.
It was close to the time of the Civil War that Americans began to take to Marquetry. The obsession with Marquetry then continued to a decade shy of century. If one examines the pieces that were created at this time, it is clear to see that locally available woods like cherry and maple were preferred.
Woods like Mahogany and other exotic versions were imported for use. Marquetry was further enhanced by the Americans who took to staining wood for more color. The number of patterns that thus became possible were quite limitless.
There was a huge range available that included simple geometric patterns and the more complex ones that resembled paintings. Around the year 1830 steam powered saw mills came to America. Veneers could then be cut into as fine as 15 to 20 layers per inch of wood.
Wood workers however opted to continue doing things with their hands despite such developments. European styles are what Americans depended on when Marquetry first came to the country. However, the elaborateness of the work was not something the Americans assimilated.
The cabinet makers in Boston along with some other artisans were the first propagators of American Marquetry. Gothic, Rococo, Renaissance as well as Louis the XV were some of the styles in vogue till the end of the World Wars. By the time the World Wars ended, Art Deco became a popular style.
Remy Vriz, in the 1980s created a technique known as piercing. Layers of veneer were placed together and the topmost one sanded right down to the level of being practically transparent. This technique was further developed by American Marquetry expert Patrice Lejeune.
As a side form of art, Lejeune developed what is called “sprinkling”. Sawdust and shavings that lay waste from other projects were collected and used to given pigments or colors to veneers making them more dynamic. Since its debut American Marquetry has come a long way.
A few organizations dedicate themselves to innovating and promoting classical as well as contemporary forms of Marquetry in the nation. If this has caught your interest, then you should head to such places, which will give you the best training in Marquetry possible.
This article was written by Ruth D’Souza Prabhu of MarqART Gift Shop. Our jewelry boxes feature evocative marqart wood designs, created from unique wood grain patterns and colors. 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!
|
|
Pair of Ornamental Dresden light blue Cherub Urns $9,500.00 |
|
|
WROUGHT IRON CHANDELIER, LIGHT FIXTURE, ORNAMENTAL IRON $1,620.00 |
|
|
WROUGHT IRON CHANDELIER, LIGHT FIXTURE, ORNAMENTAL IRON $1,460.00 |
|
|
WROUGHT IRON CHANDELIER, LIGHT FIXTURE, ORNAMENTAL IRON $1,390.00 |
|
|
WROUGHT IRON CHANDELIER, LIGHT FIXTURE, ORNAMENTAL IRON $595.00 |
|
|
WROUGHT IRON CHANDELIER, LIGHT FIXTURE, ORNAMENTAL IRON $425.00 |
|
|
WROUGHT IRON CHANDELIER, LIGHT FIXTURE, ORNAMENTAL IRON $435.00 |
|
|
BRASS AND GLASS LIGHTED ORNAMENTAL DISPLAY CASE $300.00 |
|
|
NEW “ Typical Cold Crowd ” Custom ART Acrylic Tabletop Light Ornamental Fixture $249.99 |
|
|
Stop Light with Ornamental Base $75.00 |
|
|
Amish Light Duty Cart Wagon Wheels Wooden Outdoor Ornamental Decorative Farm New $109.00 |
|
|
Amish Light Duty Cart Wagon Wheels Wooden Outdoor Ornamental Decorative Farm New $99.00 |
|
|
Amish Light Duty Cart Wagon Wheels Wooden Outdoor Ornamental Decorative Farm New $95.00 |
|
|
Amish Light Duty Cart Wagon Wheels Wooden Outdoor Ornamental Decorative Farm New $95.00 |
|
|
Amish Light Duty Cart Wagon Wheels Wooden Outdoor Ornamental Decorative Farm New $89.00 |
|
|
Amish Light Duty Cart Wagon Wheels Wooden Outdoor Ornamental Decorative Farm New $89.00 |
|
|
Amish Light Duty Cart Wagon Wheels Wooden Outdoor Ornamental Decorative Farm New $85.00 |
|
|
Amish Light Duty Cart Wagon Wheels Wooden Outdoor Ornamental Decorative Farm New $85.00 |
|
|
Cal Lighting Troy Table Lamp in Ornamental Sable BO-285 $96.14 |
|
|
Christmas, 1998 Fenton Glass Handpainted “Ornamental Magic” Ruby Fairy Light $55.00 |
|
|
1929 Ad Frink Corporation Ornamental Lighting Fixture Reflected Interior Design $57.95 |
|
|
Lighted House Very Beautiful Table Lamp & Decorative Collectible Ornamental Home $49.85 |
|
|
Christmas cup Cake ornamental Shop with lights $42.00 |
|
|
Copper ornamental metal hinged gas wall light fixture ornate decor darkened age $48.98 |
|
|
VINTAGE LIGHTED MUSICAL CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENTAL DECORATION 21″SNOW BRANCHED $45.00 |
|
|
1930 Ad King Ferronite Standard Ornamental Street Light – ORIGINAL ADVERTISING $37.95 |
|
|
Japanese Ornamental Hairpin KANZASHI Light Green Maple $39.99 |
|
|
Floral Flower Branch Ornamental Swirl Wall Vinyl Decal $36.49 |
|
|
Floral Swirl Ornamental Flower Vinyl Wall Sticker Decal $35.99 |
|
|
Floral Swirl Ornamental Flower Vinyl Wall Sticker Decal $35.99 |
|
|
ANTIQUE 1940 VINTAGE WORKING CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS ORNAMENTAL DECORATION $35.00 |
|
|
Maine Ornamental Tiffany Leaf/Cedar Solar Post Light 4″ $32.00 |
|
|
Flower Floral Branch Ornamental Swirl Wall Vinyl Decal $27.99 |
|
|
Floral Swirl Ornamental Home Decor Vinyl Wall Decal 9ft $27.99 |
|
|
Lighted ‘Give Thanks’ Pumpkin Ornamental Shape $26.99 |
|
|
Maple Leaf Lighted Window Ornamental $26.99 |
|
|
Tree Branch Ornamental Mural Wall Decor Art Vinyl Decal $26.31 |
|
|
Chinese Dragon Ornamental Mural Vinyl Sticker Decal 6FT $25.99 |
|
|
Chinese Dragon Ornamental Mural Vinyl Sticker Decal 6FT $25.99 |
|
|
Floral Swirl ornamental Flower Vinyl Wall Art Decal 5FT $24.99 |
|
|
Tree Branch Ornamental Mural Wall Decor Art Vinyl Decal $24.99 |
|
|
Outdoor Garden Gnome Patio Solar Powered LED Light Statue Figurine Novelty Lamp $15.70 |
|
|
Light GrayScarf Silver Rose Pendant Necklace w Ornamental Charms $18.00 |
|
|
VINTAGE LIGHTED 12 ” CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENTAL DECORATION $22.00 |
|
|
Floral Flower Branch Ornamental Mural wall Vinyl Decal $19.99 |
|
|
Tree Branch Ornamental Mural Wall Decor Art Vinyl Decal $17.85 |
|
|
Ornamental Edgings Trim 18 Yards-Light Blue $17.36 |
|
|
4 Inch Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine Ipomoea Ground Cover Choose Your Variety $17.00 |
|
|
Prima Flowers Ornamental Edgings Trim 18 Yards Light Blue $16.99 |
|
|
Floral Swirl ornamental Flower Vinyl Wall Art Decal 26″ $16.99 |
|
|
Tree Branch Ornamental Mural Wall Decor Art Vinyl Decal $16.99 |
|
|
1927 American Concrete Ornamental Lighting Standards Ad $12.99 |
|
|
1927 King Co Ornamental Lighting Standards 2-Page Ad $12.99 |
|
|
Flora-Lites Sewing Ornamental Lighting For Creative Crafters FLMC $11.65 |
|
|
NEW Ornamental Street Lighting: A Municipal Investme… $10.94 |
|
|
10 pcs changing electric candle lamp night light flameless ornamental romantic $12.99 |
|
|
10 pcs LED 7-color changing rose night light lamp Halloween flameless ornamental $12.99 |
|
|
NEW Ornamental Street-Lighting: A Municipal Investment $10.81 |
|
|
LED Ornamental Color Changing Bedroom Light Bulb New $13.03 |
|
|
LED Ornamental Color Changing Bedroom Light Bulb New $13.01 |
|
|
Floral Flower Branch Ornamental Mural wall Vinyl Decal $12.99 |
|
|
10 pcs changing electric candle lamp night light flameless ornamental romantic $12.34 |
|
|
10 pcs LED 7-color changing rose night light lamp Halloween flameless ornamental $12.34 |
|
|
10pcs Color Change electric light Candle ornamental new $12.34 |
|
|
Miniature Dollhouse Ceiling Light / Lg Ornamental 684 $9.29 |
|
|
Miniature Dollhouse Ceiling Light / Sm Ornamental 3722 $9.29 |
|
|
COLOUR CHANGING SOLAR LADYBIRD LIGHT STICK ON WINDOW/HANGING HOOK ORNAMENTAL FUN $6.27 |
|
|
1929 Chicago Concrete Post Co Ad: Ornamental Lights $8.00 |
|
|
Rubber Stampede Wood Mounted Ornamental Rays Sun Solar Face Stamp Light Use $8.99 |
|
|
Multi-colored Flashing Light Ornamental LED Campanula Wind Bell Lamp Decor #3864 $8.89 |
|
|
Ornamental Metal Candle Holder Tea Lights 6 inches $3.99 |
|
|
LED electric Color Change flameless night light lamp flower Candle ornamental $4.82 |
|
|
New changing electric candle lamp night light flameless ornamental splendid $1.99 |
|
|
1 pcs LED 7-color changing rose night light lamp Halloween flameless ornamental $1.89 |
|
|
LED electric Color Change flameless night light lamp flower Candle ornamental $1.24 |
|
|
LED electric Color Change flameless night light lamp flower Candle ornamental $1.24 |
|
|
LED electric Color Change flameless night light lamp flower Candle ornamental $1.24 |
|
|
LED electric Color Change flameless night light lamp flower Candle ornamental $1.24 |
|
|
1pcs Color Change electric light Candle ornamental new $1.04 |
|
|
Antique Ornamental Flush Mount Ceiling Light Deco Brass Original FInish $110.00 |
|
|
Dept 56 Van Guilders Ornamental Ironworks Lighted House $59.99 |
|
|
ANGEL TEA LIGHT HOLDER GUIDE ORNAMENTAL MESSAGE VERSE PRESENT SPIRITUAL GIFT $15.70 |
|
|
CHRISTMAS WREATH 18″ LIGHTED ORNAMENTAL LIGHTS SCULPTURE WITH 43 BRIGHT LIGHTS $15.99 |
|
|
VALENTINE DOUBLE HEART 18″ LIGHTED ORNAMENTAL LIGHTS $15.99 |
|
|
SANTA WAVING 18″ LIGHTED ORNAMENTAL LIGHTS SCULPTURE WITH 43 BRIGHT LIGHTS $15.99 |
|
|
PRAYING ANGEL 18″ LIGHTED ORNAMENTAL LIGHTS SCULPTURE WITH 43 BRIGHT LIGHTS $15.99 |
|
|
CHRISTMAS TREE 18″ LIGHTED ORNAMENTAL LIGHTS SCULPTURE WITH 43 BRIGHT LIGHTS $15.99 |
|
|
CANDY CANE 18″ LIGHTED ORNAMENTAL LIGHTS SCULPTURE WITH 43 BRIGHT LIGHTS $15.99 |
|
|
SANTA FACE 18″ LIGHTED ORNAMENTAL LIGHTS SCULPTURE WITH 43 BRIGHT LIGHTS $15.99 |
|
|
EASTER EGG CHICK 17″ LIGHTED INDOOR OUTDOOR WINDOW ORNAMENTAL LIGHTS $15.99 |
|
|
VALENTINE CUPID HEART 18″ LIGHTED INDOOR OUTDOOR WINDOW ORNAMENTAL LIGHTS $15.99 |
|
|
MORNING LIGHT MISCANTHUS ORNAMENTAL GRASS PLANT QT $8.99 |
|
|
AUTUMN LIGHT MISCANTHUS ORNAMENTAL GRASS PLANT QT $8.99 |
|
|
LADYBIRD COLOUR CHANGING LED SOLAR LIGHT ORNAMENTAL GARDEN WINDOW LADY BIRD BUG $4.70 |
