Violetwood, a type of mahogany, was imported from French Guyana. The wood was favored for its naturally purple hues, that, when exposed to air, turned violet.  Like all mahoganies, it is dense and water resistant. Violetwood had a popular use in Boulle marquetry, or “painting in wood.” Instead of using heat or varnishes to alter wood color, Boulle called for natural colors from an array of exotic woods, to create compositions; it has been used in the marquetry of the Oeben table. The most famous maker of this kind of marquetry was Charles Cressent, who created furniture of violetwood for his patron Regent Phillipe d’Orleans.