Inlay covers a range of techniques in sculpture and the decorative arts for inserting pieces of contrasting, often colored materials into depressions in a base object to form ornament or pictures that normally are flush with the matrix. A great range of materials have been used both for the base or matrix and for the inlays inserted into it. Inlay is commonly used in the production of decorative furniture, where pieces of colored wood, precious metals or even diamonds are inserted into the surface of the carcass using various matrices including clear coats and varnishes. Lutherie inlays are frequently used as decoration and marking on musical instruments, particularly the smaller strings.
Example of Boulle work inlay using tortoiseshell in mottled red, brass and pewter
Boulle work showing the use of pewter (center) and the 'depth' given by tortoiseshell in the background. Brass inlay is on the right and left.
Mother of pearl inlay into walnut burl on a customised Fender Stratocaster.
Inlay (ivory, red sandalwood, copper) on wooden casket
André-Charles Boulle, le joailler du meuble, became the most famous French cabinetmaker and the preeminent artist in the field of marquetry, also known as "inlay". Boulle was "the most remarkable of all French cabinetmakers". Jean-Baptiste Colbert recommended him to Louis XIV of France, the "Sun King", as "the most skilled craftsman in his profession". Over the centuries since his death, his name and that of his family has become associated with the art he perfected, the inlay of tortoiseshell, brass and pewter into ebony. It has become known as Boulle work,
and the École Boulle, a college of fine arts and crafts and applied arts in Paris, continues today to bear testimony to his enduring art, the art of inlay.
Commode by André-Charles Boulle, son of Jean Boulle: (c. 1710–20). Walnut veneered with ebony, marquetry of engraved brass and tortoiseshell, gilt-bronze mounts, verd antique marble
Commode by André-Charles Boulle - Detail
Commode by André-Charles Boulle, son of Jean Boulle - Detail
J. Paul Getty Museum: Wall Clock; Attributed to André-Charles Boulle (French, 1642–1732, master before 1666); Paris, France; about 1710; Gilt bronze; blue-painted horn; enameled metal.