Cross-Banding

Cross-banding is the technique of creating a border of veneer with its grain running at right angles to the grain of the adjoining veneer.

On boxes, cross-banding was primarily decorative, framing the main veneered surfaces and creating contrast through a change in the direction of the grain. Woods with a strong, clearly defined grain were particularly effective for this purpose, with kingwood, rosewood and calamander frequently used.

Cross-banding could be applied around the edges of lids and other veneered surfaces, often using the same wood as the principal veneer but laid in a different direction to create a distinct border.