Marquetry

This term refers to the craft of covering a structural surface with a veneer that most often form decorative patterns, designs or pictures. The veneer used may be wood, as well as other materials such as bone, ivory, tortoiseshell, mother of pearl, or abalone. The technique of wood marquetry was originally developed in Antwerp and other Flemish centers of luxury cabinet-making during the early 17th century. The craft was eventually imported full-blown to France and later other European countries. The marquetry musicians are familiar with is most often found as a decorative feature on the backs of fine acoustic instruments, most notably the guitar.