Antique Furniture Glossary: I

A • B • C • D • E • F • G • I • L • M • P • R • S • T • V Terms Defined: inlay

Inlay

A type of surface decoration that is created by insetting into a solid base a pattern composed of colored woods or other materials such as ivory, mother of pearl or metals. Inlay is recessed into a solid carcase, as opposed to marquetry, which is done with veneer. Also referred to as “intarsia” in italian.

Examples from our gallery: Catalan, Baroque period, marquetry-inlaid, slant-front bureau (Item No. 816) In walnut veneer with boxwood inlay, monogram surmounted by a crown. Two small external drawers above three long drawers, with an additional six interior drawers behind fold-down writing compartment. First half of the 18th century. 49½" high by 46" wide by 23½" deep Rare, Catalan, Baroque period caixa (Item No. 820) In solid, carved walnut with boxwood inlay. Having original hinged top of a single walnut board opening to reveal a partial compartment, the front with a hidden cupboard door opening to reveal three drawers. Late 17th or early 18th century. 25" high by 58" wide by 23½" deep French, Louis XVI period tric-trac table (Item No. 718) In solid, carved mahogany with flame mahogany veneer, gilt bronze trim, and tapered, fluted legs. Backgammon surface in ebony with ivory inlay. Leather top reverses to reveal felt playing surface for cards. Circa 1780. 47" long by 27" deep by 28" high Louis XV style, chinoiserie commode scriban (Item No. 439) Gilded and painted with ivory inlay. 19th century. 38" wide by 20" deep (when closed) 35" (when opened) 43½" high William IV style fall-front secretary/bookcase (Item No. 292) In flame mahogany with satinwood inlay. Early 20th century. 44" wide by 20½" deep by 91" high