Jean-Brieuc Chevalier Haute-couture marquetry

It has everything that makes these medieval works so delicate and poetic: a profusion of flowers and plants, as well as real and imaginary animals. Outstanding marquetry work enhances the iconography, but upon closer inspection this folding screen is more than just a traditional juxtaposition of pieces of wood. It also features a myriad of mother-of-pearl beads that transfigure the piece by introducing an amazing interplay of materials, volumes and light.

Mother-of-pearl beads that transfigure the piece by introducing an amazing interplay of materials, volumes and light.

Created in 2023, Mille Fleurs is undoubtedly one of Jean-Brieuc Chevalier’s most iconic works. This exceptional cabinetmaker and marquetry artist has been passionate about embroidery and woodworking since childhood. He accidently combined both while preparing for his DMA (Diplôme des Métiers d'Art) in cabinetmaking, when he came up with the idea of sewing on wood veneer to solve a technical problem. After this masterstroke, Jean-Brieuc decided to continue exploring the unique craft of embroidery on wood. In 2012, he set up a workshop in Angers to design and make wooden furniture and decorative objects. He has been using the exceptionally painstaking technique ever since.

Made almost entirely of Japanese mother-of-pearl beads, the embroidery must be designed in advance on a computer, which determines the exact location of each hole. This technique allows the beads forming certain parts of the decoration to be sewn on entirely by hand with a needle and thread. A cross between furniture and decorative craftsmanship, the Mille Fleurs folding screen boasts 15,500 pieces of wood marquetry forming animal designs and 171,000 beads depicting plants and flowers. It took three years to complete this outstanding work, which features a unique approach to wood that explores new combinations of traditional techniques and contemporary composition.

Embroidery on wood opens up a new world of possibilities for cabinetmaking and marquetry.