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 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 more...

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A fine and unusually colourful French games table in boulle…

Colorful French Boulle Games Table with Bronze Mounts

A fine and unusually colourful French games table in boulle manner, mid 19th century, the shaped fold-over top enclosing a playing surface lined in blue baize with a fitted compartment beneath, the shaped frieze raised on cabriole supports, with fine cast…

Rare & fine 19th century French boulle sewing table the…

19th Century French Boulle Sewing Table

Rare & fine 19th century French boulle sewing table the rectangular top with traditional brass inlaid in tortoiseshell depicting a central figure beneath a canopy flanked by the Aesops Fable figures of the fox and the stork, with a scrolling surround of…

A Napoleon III boulle work ormolu mounted ebonised drop leaf…

Napoleon III Boulle Writing Table with Drop Leaves

A Napoleon III boulle work ormolu mounted ebonised drop leaf writing table, French, 19th century, in the Louis XVI revival taste, the top inlaid with a profusion of foliate scrollwork, cavetto corners flanked by hinged D shaped drop-side leaves, raised on…

A Boulle card table. 76 cm high, 90 cm wide, 45 cm deep.

Boulle Card Table: Elegant and Compact Gaming Solution

A Boulle card table. 76 cm high, 90 cm wide, 45 cm deep.

Napoleon III ebonised, brass and tortoiseshell inlaid 'Boulle'…

Napoleon III Boulle Card Table with Mars Medallion

Napoleon III ebonised, brass and tortoiseshell inlaid 'Boulle' card table 19th century of serpentine shape, the top decorated with a central medallion depicting Mars and his chariot, green baize-lined interior, on chamfered cabriole legs

A Napoleon III Ormolu-Mounted cut Brass-Inlaid tortoiseshell…

Napoleon III Boulle Centre Table with Ormolu Mounts

A Napoleon III Ormolu-Mounted cut Brass-Inlaid tortoiseshell and ebonised 'Boulle' centre table, third quarter 19th century, decorated overall in premiere partie, the serpentine tooled leather top with gilt central flower burst medallion, the drawer…

A Louis XV style gilt bronze mounted Boulle display table, 19th…

Gilt Bronze Boulle Display Table, 19th Century

A Louis XV style gilt bronze mounted Boulle display table, 19th century, 74 cm high, 77 cm wide, 49 cm deep

A 19th century French Boulle table for seasonal interior…

French Boulle Table for Rare Plants

A 19th century French Boulle table for seasonal interior display of rare plants, of classical style, the oblong top with 'D' ends with removable lid and internal metal tray, standing on four turned and fluted legs with shaped 'X' stretcher base and…

A Boulle display table, French, third quarter 19th century the…

Boulle Inlaid Display Table with Gilt Bronze Mounts

A Boulle display table, French, third quarter 19th century the rectangular glazed top above a serpentine frieze centered by a mask, raised on cabriole legs, the whole with scrolling inlaid brass strap work and gilt bronze mounts and sabots, 72.5 cm wide,…