By presenting a number of diagonal rows of these three-dimensional cubes next to one another, the stunning illusions of uniformly tumbling blocks is created. An esoteric category of furniture marquetry is that made by prisoners. Convicts became woodworkers as a result of the 18th-century prison reform movement. A large variety of shops and factories existed in prisons across America after the Civil War, many of them contracted by private manufacturers on the outside. The hours of labor necessary to ornament an object with marquetry were worth far more than anyone was willing to pay, and as a result, the gift of a piece of marquetry is priceless, representing a great investment of time and emotion.
Emphasis is placed on using the right colors and textures to create verisimilitude.
On the other hand, today's professional cabinetmakers and furniture designers creatively use marquetry for inlays in original pieces of furniture that are often meant for wealthy clients and collectors. All rights reserved.