Boulle

/ˈbuːl/ noun

Definition

A type of decorative inlay work using tortoiseshell, brass, and other materials, named after the French cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle.

Etymology

From the name of André-Charles Boulle (1642-1732), the famous French furniture maker who perfected this technique during the reign of Louis XIV.

Kelly Says

Boulle spent his life making furniture so fancy that queens wanted it—and 300 years later, we still call fancy wood inlay by his name because his style was just that legendary.

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