“Marquetry is a way of arranging wooden veneer to create a specific image. It may also be called wooden mosaic, depending on the final outcome. One of the oldest known marquetry was discovered in ancient Egypt: a coffin with wooden inlays dating back to the 12th dynasty (2000 b.c.). Having a completely flat surface is characteristic, traditional marquetry is laid two dimensional.” (Martin)
After all pieces of wooden veneer are assembled together they can be attached in different ways: As an inlay (a), backed by thinner woods (b) or by solid wood (c).
Glue is used to bring the different materials together. Afterwards, a sanding is then applied. Other materials like brass or ivory may also be included in the final veneer assembly. (Martin)
The surface is created by using timber veneer of different shades. The three dimensional effect of the geometric ornament is enhanced by the direction of the wood fibers following the pattern.
Production steps: obtaining the veneer, preparatory drawings, cutting of the inlay, assembling and gluing, finishing
The drawing can be inspired by the grain of the veneers, or the veneer can be chosen according to the design. The design must be well thought trough, in order to facilitate the later working steps, and to make sure, the forms are possible to obtain by the cutting technique. The type and colour /shade of the veneer has to be assigned to each area. (Lisa)
