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Glite Dictionary
boulle

boulle

9.9
A decorative inlay on furniture made from tortoiseshell and brass in curved scroll patterns
  • noun
  • /buːl/
  • Archaic
translation icon : boulle
  • She admired the boulle details on the furniture, which added a touch of elegance to the room.

Examples

  • Do you know how to create boulle designs?

  • The boulle inlays reflect light beautifully.

  • Collectors admire the intricate boulle work on 18th-century cabinets.

  • Restoring the damaged boulle inlay required a skilled artisan.

  • The antique desk featured exquisite boulle marquetry on its surface.

  • The antique shop featured a stunning cabinet decorated in the boulle style, showcasing intricate patterns of brass and tortoiseshell.

  • At the art exhibit, one piece displayed exquisite boulle work, captivating all the visitors with its complex design.

Synonyms

boule
vsboulle
  • Archaic
9.9

A fancy wood decoration using tortoiseshell and metal in curved patterns

specifies brass as the metal used rather than metal in general
buhl
vsboulle
  • Archaic
9.9

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

focuses on brass specifically rather than various yellow or white metals

Surface Forms

boulle singular
boulles plural

Etymology

Boulle is named after a French maker, Boulle, who in the 1600s covered furniture with pieces of 'tortoiseshell' and 'brass' cut into shiny, twisting patterns. That's why boulle now means that rich 'inlay' decoration on cabinets and desks.