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How was marquetry used in English Restoration furniture?

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Mahogany card table — Furniture Card table, mahogany (primary wood) with original gold patina and gold stenciling, maker unknown, c. 1828; in the Indianapolis Museum of Art. 70.48 × 91.74 × 91.44 cm.

Following the English Restoration in 1660, cabinetmaking underwent significant technical advancement, with marquetry becoming a prominent decorative technique. Craftsmen utilized new veneering processes to apply thin sheets of wood to furniture surfaces, into which intricate floral patterns were inserted.1

During the early years of the Restoration, these marquetry designs were typically large in scale. However, as the 17th century progressed, the patterns became increasingly smaller and more complex. This evolution eventually led to the development of highly intricate designs composed of numerous small scrolls, commonly referred to as "seaweed marquetry".12

Marquetry was frequently applied to various pieces, including chests of drawers and mirror frames. While walnut became the preferred wood for English cabinetry during this era, the marquetry itself often incorporated a variety of materials, including exotic woods, ivory, and metal inlays, to create elaborate arabesque patterns.123