American marquetry makers liked to express their patriotism through their craft, as in the tribute to three martyred presidents shown above. The Museum of American Folk Art recently recognized the American contribution to marquetry by hosting a show, adding several pieces to the permanent collection and covering the craft in its magazine.

Marquetry, often considered the exclusive province of European artisans, has sometimes been called "painting in wood." If that's the case, the Norman Rockwells among American marquetry makers get their recognition at the Museum of American Folk Art in New York City, which owns several pieces in its permanent collection.

Commenting on the Museum of American Folk Art's acquisition and education efforts, master marquetry maker Silas Kopf told us, "I like this focus on Americans, particularly because these were people who truly loved the craft." The European marquetry makers were businessmen who made a living selling to the upper classes. America democratized the art. It didn't require fancy tools - just a saw, glue and lots of time - so it was accessible to 19th century immigrants. Of course, few people could afford to pay the actual value of the pieces, so they often ended up as priceless gifts or personal mementos, typically focusing on patriotic or religious themes.

Kopf's opinion about the current state of marquetry? "I think it's an obvious evolution in terms of this generation of woodworkers getting involved," he said. "[In the 1970s], they were spending a lot of time learning how to make dovetails and other joints. Now they want to expand and do things more involved. I look at marquetry as being the high-water mark of decorative woodworking."

The Museum of American Folk Art looks at it as a fascinating artistic medium, and they've published a book, American Folk Marquetry: Masterpieces in Wood by Richard Mühlberger, for those who want to learn more about the American experience with this craft.

The creator of the clock (above left) used inlaid figures to represent the fleeting nature of time. Tidus Albrech of Missouri made the cabinet at right to commemorate the Statue of Liberty dedication