Buhl

bul, a sort of inlaid work named for the famous French cabinetmaker of that name, 1642-1732. The term was applied originally to a pattern of highly polished brass, set with care in a surface of some other metal or of wood. It is now applied chiefly to inlaid work in veneer. Two sheets of wood of contrasting colors, as maple and black walnut, are glued together with an intermediate sheet of paper. A pattern, as of an ivy vine, is traced on one surface and cut out with a fine scroll saw running through both woods. The two woods are then split apart through the paper cleavage. If the sawing is true, the two ivy vines may exchange places. The light ivy vine fits in to the dark border, and the dark ivy fits into the light border. By gluing the two veneers to wooden backs and finishing, two pieces of inlaid wood, or buhl work are produced. This method is employed by makers of furniture and ornamental wood-work. See Furniture