NCMG - About Marquetry

About Marquetry

Marquetry is the art of making pictures using joined pieces of wood veneer as the artist's "palette".

The Egyptians are credited with starting marquetry three thousand or so years ago. As time passed people from throughout the world practiced various forms of inlay, much of it exquisitely beautiful. Notable is the work done by monks in Italy called intarsia. This detailed work was done with 1/4" or thicker veneers using a shoulder knife. The invention of the saw blade led to refinements and, in the 16th, 17th and 18th Centuries, much marquetry being done for royalty and very rich patrons. Many consider this period to be the zenith for marquetry, especially French marquetry.

Marquetry declined at the time of the industrial revolution but today we are blessed with advanced tools and a selection of veneers that the marquetarians of old would have given their eye teeth for. Exotic woods from around the world are only a phone call away. New and better glues have being developed, pressing systems are advancing, finishes are evolving and we have more free time for hobbies. Marquetry has moved from being for the rich to being for everyone. It can be practiced by the amateur, the semi-pro, or the professional and from a wide artistic perspective including the diehard craftsman to the artist on the cutting edge. There is truly something in marquetry for everyone.