Customer Reviews

Marquetry, (An International Craft Classic)

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I have two books of the same author: Masterpieces of marquetry (or something simmilar since it is written in French) and Marquetry. Each of the books cost over 100 USD in France and belong to a collection this author has published on the same subject. The Marquetry book (in English) I believe is the best book of its class. It has very detailed sketches of real antique designs. It not only explains the techniques but also stone inlaying, designing of tools and benches for cutting materials, etc.

Marquetry is impressive if you are making a simple flower or a project as ornate as the examples that are given in this book. Covering the art form from the early adopters in France and Italy, he explains in detail the procedures, as well as the tools that are used. When you see some of the pictures of the projects, you will think that you need a lifetime of practice to get to those levels, and maybe you do. They are so elaborate and ornate that you will appreciate what can be done in the art form.
The book is large and is something worth featuring on a shelf. It is wonderfully illustrated, and they don't short you on the full color photographs.
The chapters are; Veneer Decoration, History, The Marqueters Workshop, The Materials, The Instruments, The Drawing, Preparation, Procedures, Frisage and Jeux De Fond, The Construction of Cutting Tools, and Conclusion.
The book is 14" x 10" and every page is packed with beautiful color photographs, and at the very least a drawing. Makes for an interesting read, as well as seeing what is being explained in full color. With so many full size color photos, you can see why the book is more expensive than a standard book.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner in the art form, this book will capture you. See the highest forms in the art, chosen by the top museums for display. All in all a first class reference. Highly recommended.

I found this book to be completely comprehensive on the subject of marquetry. Everyone who loves this art form will want to have this in their library.

E um livro muito interessante, porem, apenas para quem tem curiosidade ou gosta muito de marchetaria. Belissimas imagens. Quem faz marchetaria nas horas vagas tera uma boa referencia, inclusive com a historia dessa arte. Capa dura, muito ilustrado, acredito que tera um lugar de honra em sua biblioteca.

Mauricio - Brazil

Excellent Publication, Hefty price....however I feel smarter but just having it in my Library. Very well presented and all in all a wonderful book to have and pass down to successive generations. If you are in anyway interested in Marquetry, whether doing or collected this is a definite necessity as a reference.

If you want to make marquetry, buy marquetry or just appreciate marquetry this is an excellent resource. It has the kind of detailed information coupled with drawings and a bounty of color photos rarely seen in one book. Worth the money!! Go see the exhibit at the Getty!

This book is published by the Getty museum, which has an absolutely wonderful permanent exhibit on marquetry that includes many fine examples and a touchable how-to exhibit depicting start to finish manufacture of marquetry furniture. The book is a detailed how-to on various types of marquetry (including wood, metal and stone) with both color (over 150 color photos, more color pics than B&W) and black-and-white pictures of a large variety of examples from Renaissance through 17th and 18th century through modern (not too many or too-weird modern), plus many photos showing marquetry in progress in the how-to section. It is also a large, beautiful enough book for your coffeetable. If only every art/craft topic could have such a wonderful book.