2021 San Francisco Fall Show – Mad for Marquetry

October 16, 2021

The 2021 San Francisco Fall Show is now live on InCollect through October 24. Today’s blogpost explores marquetry, the art and craft of applying pieces of veneer to a structure to form decorative patterns, designs or pictures. Here are a few outstanding examples from the show:

A wooden secretary desk with intricate geometric inlay patterns on its surfaces, open to reveal small drawers and compartments. The patterns feature cubes and diamonds in various wood tones, perfectly embodying the “Mad for Marquetry” theme of the 2021 San Francisco Fall Show. The desk has a fold-down writing surface. Background is plain dark gray.
From Carlton Hobbs: A Striking Illusionistic And Geometric Parquetry Secretaire A Abattant, 2nd quarter of the 19th century
Oval wooden table with ornate carved pedestal base. The tabletop features exquisite marquetry, depicting an intricate painted scene of deer and trees in a forest, surrounded by decorative flourishes. The wood has a glossy finish, and the table stands elegantly on a light-colored floor—perfect for display at the San Francisco Fall Show.
From Guy Regal: Swiss Black Forest Walnut Marquetry Tilt-Top Table, 19th century
A wooden demilune cabinet with intricate marquetry designs featuring bows, garlands, and floral motifs. Reminiscent of the exquisite pieces showcased at the San Francisco Fall Show, the cabinet has curved sides, tapered legs, and a central door with symmetrical decorative patterns. The wood tones vary from light to dark.
From Butchoff: Satinwood and Marquetry Demilune Commode, circa 1870
An ornate wooden table with curved legs, this piece is a true celebration of Mad for Marquetry. The tabletop is decorated with intricate floral inlay featuring a basket of flowers at the center and gold accents along the edges, reminiscent of fine craftsmanship showcased at the San Francisco Fall Show 2021. The wood has a polished, rich finish.
From Engs-Dimitri: One of a Pair of Northern Italian Marquetry Inlaid Walnut Consoles, Veneto, 18th century
A wood inlay map of South Africa features animals, buildings, waves, and a compass rose. Dutch text and stylized illustrations depict landmarks and wildlife, including elephants, ostrich, antelope, and lions throughout the region. The map is decorative and vintage in style—a true celebration of Mad for Marquetry as seen at the 2021 San Francisco Fall Show.
From Patrick Jefferson: South Africa Marquetry Panel, circa 1940
Ornate wooden chair with intricate carvings on the backrest and legs, floral marquetry, curved legs with claw feet, and a plush, beige upholstered seat. The overall design is elegant and baroque—perfect for those Mad for Marquetry enthusiasts—and was highlighted at the distinguished San Francisco Fall Show in 2021. Set against a plain white background, this piece epitomizes.
From Lennox Cato: One of a Pair of 18th century Dutch marquetry chairs

By Vera Vandenbosch