MARQUETRY GAMES BOARD
Quebec, late 19th C
 
Multiple inlaid native woods of walnut, maple and birch with some rosewood at the corners. Original game pieces drawer intact.  
 
Board games, such as draughts and parcheesi, were popular in Quebec where this was found. This table top specimen is an exceptionally large and has a dramatic visual appeal. I suspect that there must have been a craftwork industry established to make these complicated assemblages. Evidence suggests that prisons may have been a source for this marquetry work. Other examples have been documented as coming from there.
 
See R. Muhlberger, "American Folk Marquetry", for the chapter on 'Parlour Pastimes".
 
Condition: No repairs.
 
Measurements: L - 29 1/2", W - 20 1/4"