A type of decorative wood inlay or veneer work, often using tortoiseshell, metal, or ivory patterns on furniture.
Named after André-Charles Boulle (1642-1732), a famous French cabinetmaker who perfected this technique. The spelling 'buhl' is the anglicized version of 'Boulle,' showing how proper names become common words for techniques or styles.
André-Charles Boulle was so famous for his furniture that his name literally became the word for the technique—like how 'Xerox' became a verb. Collectors still search for authentic 'Boulle furniture' as museum-quality pieces worth thousands.
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