Boulle (pronounced "bool") refers to a type of decorative furniture that was popular in France during the 17th and 18th centuries. The term "boulle" is derived from the French cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle, who perfected the technique and popularized the style in the late 17th century.
Boulle furniture is characterized by its intricate inlay work, which typically features designs made from brass or copper on a black lacquer background. The inlay designs can be quite elaborate and often depict intricate floral or architectural motifs. The technique involves inlaying thin sheets of metal, such as brass, into a wooden substrate such
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as ebony. Boulle furniture can range from desks, tables, cabinets, commodes and many other types of furniture.
The Boulle technique was used primarily for luxury items and was commissioned by the French Royalty, nobles, and wealthy individuals. Boulle furniture is highly prized for its skillful craftsmanship and intricate designs, and it is still highly sought after today by collectors and enthusiasts of antique furniture.
Boulle work, is not only limited to furniture, it can be found on boxes, mirrors, and clocks, and it also influenced the decorative arts in general. The style had a certain level of prestige and luxury attached to it, and it was considered a symbol of wealth and taste during the time.
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A cupboard built in triangular form designed to stand or hang in the corner of a room as a space-saving measure. The doors are either panelled or glazed.
Freestanding corner cupboards with an upper and lower section are scarce, and most that come onto the market are of the later Victorian to early Edwardian period.
The smaller hanging corner cupboards are much more readily available. Australian made corner cabinets are extremely scarce.
Any small cupboard intended to be attached to the wall, often of a triangular shape for corners. Used as food and storage cupboards from early times, some were fully panelled, others were fitted with glazing bars. Collectors should rely on stylistic evidence to determine age, although hanging cupboards with large plate glass fronts usually date from the 20th century.
