Boulle work in marquetry is best described as which of the following?

Boulle work in marquetry is best described as which of the following?

• A. Inlay using brass and tortoiseshell
• B. Carving in relief
• C. Painted lacquer
• D. Gilded wood veneer

Answer: (A)

Boulle work in marquetry is inlay using brass and tortoiseshell. Named for 17th‑century French cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle, it involves cutting patterns through two veneer sheets—one brass, one tortoiseshell—laid over dark wood like ebony, so the metal and shell form ornate, interlacing designs against the background. This defines the look of the technique and sets it apart from relief carving, painted lacquer, or gilded veneer.

Boulle work in marquetry is inlay using brass and tortoiseshell. Named for 17th‑century French cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle, it involves cutting patterns through two veneer sheets—one brass, one tortoiseshell—laid over dark wood like ebony, so the metal and shell form ornate, interlacing designs against the background. This defines the look of the technique and sets it apart from relief carving, painted lacquer, or gilded veneer.