The word “breakfront” is used because the front of these furniture pieces have a broken line.  Usually the center section is larger and projects out from the side sections.  Breakfronts date to the 18th and 19th centuries in both England and France and are common on bookcases and cabinets.

 

Satinwood, also known as yellow, was a very expensive tropical hardwood with a glossy finish. It was used in fine cabinetwork and decorative veneers. During the late 18th and 19th centuries, satinwood was in vogue.  Its light tones provided a perfect canvas for veneers or painting.  Native to India, Sri Lanka and parts of the Caribbean, it is still available today as a luxury wood item

 

Inlay is a very skilled part of cabinet making.  Inlays were done on fine pieces of furniture using exotic woods, such as rosewood or satinwood.  The inlays varied in type and thematic material depending upon the time in which they were made.  Besides wood, inlay could also be mother of pearl, black ebony or hardstone.