BWAHZ´-ree
(French for ‘wood paneling’ in general)
When used in English, the term usually refers to the various styles of elaborate paneling used to adorn the 17th- and 18th-century palaces and noble residences of Europe.
Boiserie of this type consists of large panels of fine wood, such as oak or mahogany, painted or stained in various colors and carved with decoration in shallow relief.
In the Rococo style (18th century), for example, boiserie was often painted white with decoration picked out in gold.
We have three maids at our small chateau in the Loire Valley, one of whom spends all her time polishing the boiserie.