This highly specialized form of marquetry involves cutting thin sheets of brass, tortoiseshell, or pewter into elaborate, interlocking scrollwork. The contrasting materials are glued to a wooden carcass, usually a cabinet or clock case, and polished flush. It is an anglicized spelling of the technique pioneered by French cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle.
Restoring the buhl work on this clock case will take weeks because the brass has lifted away from the substrate.
Also heard as
- Boulle work
- boulework
Related terms
Buhl
The brass, tortoiseshell, or other metal material used to create intricate furniture inlays.
Boulework
An older spelling for the intricate inlay of brass and tortoiseshell into wood.
Marquetry
A decorative technique where thin pieces of wood or other materials are fitted together to form intricate surface patterns.