This historic term refers to a highly decorative marquetry technique developed in France. The process involves cutting intricate, interlocking patterns from thin sheets of brass, tortoiseshell, pewter, or exotic veneers, and applying them to cabinet surfaces. The spelling is an archaic variant of buhl work, named after the royal cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle.
The antique dealer verified the cabinet features genuine boulework on the drawer fronts, with solid brass inlaid.
Also heard as
- buhl work
- Boulle marquetry
Do not mix it up with
- Boule: A boule is a sawn log kept together as a stack, while boulework is intricate metal and shell inlay.
Related terms
Buhl
The brass, tortoiseshell, or other metal material used to create intricate furniture inlays.
Buhl work
The craft and finished product of inlaying intricate metal and shell patterns into furniture.
Marquetry
A decorative technique where thin pieces of wood or other materials are fitted together to form intricate surface patterns.