Marquetry is an ancient decorative technique where thin sheets of material, called veneer, are glued on to the surface of furniture.  Veneers were mostly fine wood (shell and sometimes ivory were also used) and once cut and put together, created patterns, designs or pictures – almost like painting with wood on wood. Marquetry differs from inlay in that veneers are glued to the surface, whereas inlays are created by cutting in the main surface of the wood and filling in the recesses.

Bronze d'oré, also known as ormolu or gilt bronze, was a decorative finish used on luxury furnishings in the 18th and 19th centuries. An application of finely ground high carat gold and mercury amalgam was placed on objects of bronze. When subjected to extremely high heat, the mercury evaporated, leaving behind a lustrous coating of gold.

Gilt-bronze mounts were used to protect furniture from damage and to emphasize form, and to mount beautiful objects such as candelabra, clocks, lamps, pedestals and porcelain vases.

 

Marble was considered a high-end material, associated with wealth and grandeur, reflecting the sophisticated tastes of the elite during periods like the Louis XV and Louis XVI eras.  The natural beauty of marble, with its unique veining and subtle luster, added a touch of elegance and visual interest to the furniture. French artisans often selected marble slabs for their color, veining, and durability, and carefully polished them to enhance their natural beauty. Marble is a naturally hard and dense stone, making it resistant to scratches, chips, and damage. It is also heat-resistant and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for surfaces like commodes and buffets, which were used for both storage and serving.  Marble tops provided a beautiful contrast to the intricately carved and often gilded wooden bases of French furniture. The thick overhanging tops also helped to accentuate the forms of the furniture pieces.