Antique French exotic wood floral marquetry panel

Marquetry, or wood inlay, is a centuries' old technique, practised only by the most accomplished craftsmen. This fine panel is an excellent demonstration of the high level of skill involved in the antique technique and the spectacular results that can be achieved. The panel depicts an intricate pattern of flowers, leaves, birds and mythical creatures, with each individual element rendered using small, differently-coloured pieces of exotic woods inlaid onto a partly ebonised wooden backing.

Here the dark ebonised wood backing contrasts beautifully with the lighter coloured and tinted woods which are used to make up the pattern. Particularly notable are the leaves and flowers around the lower part of the panel, strikingly rendered in brilliant white and shimmering green. Similarly, the level of intricacy evident in the detailing on the birds' feathers and flowers' petals is superb. The panel is rectangular in shape and set into an olive wood frame, with the following dimensions:

Frame: Height 61cm, width 74cm, depth 5cm
Panel: Height 43cm, width 56cm