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Glite Dictionary
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boule

boule

9.9
A fancy wood decoration using tortoiseshell and metal in curved patterns
  • noun
  • /buːl/
  • Archaic
translation icon : marquetería Boulle
  • The cabinet featured exquisite boule inlays.

Examples

  • The antique cabinet featured an intricate boule design with shimmering metal inlay.

  • He admired the intricate boule designs on the furniture.

  • Collectors admire the skilled craftsmanship involved in creating authentic boule marquetry.

  • Restoring the boule work required sourcing materials similar to those used in the 18th century.

  • The artisan spent hours applying the intricate boule designs to the wooden cabinet.

  • Her new dining table features beautiful boule inlays that reflect the craftsmanship of fine cabinetwork.

  • The museum showcased a stunning piece of furniture adorned with delicately carved boule patterns.

Synonyms

boulle
vsboule
  • Archaic
9.9

A decorative inlay on furniture made from tortoiseshell and brass in curved scroll patterns

is the same in meaning but is the traditional historical spelling
buhl
vsboule
  • Archaic
9.9

Inlaid decoration on furniture using tortoiseshell and thin metal in scroll designs

uses metals generally without limiting them to yellow or white types

Surface Forms

boule singular
boules plural

Etymology

Boule for the decorative furniture inlay comes from the name of the French furniture maker Boulle, who made this inlay style famous in the 1700s, so the word now means that special kind of ornate inlaid work.