1. decorative work in which elaborate patterns are formed by the insertion of pieces of material (such as wood, shell, or ivory) into a wood veneer that is then applied to a surface (as of a piece of furniture)
Usage: also spelled marquetry

Examples

• The antique cabinet featured intricate marqueterie with mother-of-pearl inlays.
• French artisans perfected the art of marqueterie during the 17th century.
• The dining table’s marqueterie depicted elaborate floral patterns.
• She studied traditional marqueterie techniques at the woodworking school.
• The museum’s collection includes several pieces showcasing fine marqueterie work.
• His grandfather was skilled in marqueterie and created beautiful jewelry boxes.