Palmette Fan Leaf Onlay

A crisp burst of carved foliage that fans open like a frozen flame. This decorative onlay is a symmetrical palmette: a tall central plume flanked by tiered, spoon-tipped leaves that sweep outward and curl down into two scrolled tails at the base. The relief is generous and rounded, with deep valleys cut between each petal so the piece throws real shadow when raked light hits it. It is the classic anthemion motif you would expect on cabinet doors, headboards, mirror crowns, fireplace surrounds and furniture aprons, a small ornament that instantly lifts a plain flat panel into something with old-world character. Cut it as a raised appliqué to glue on, or pocket it into a shallow recess for a flush inlay. CNC / print notes: • Runs cleanly as a 3D relief carving; a 1/8" or 1/16" tapered ball-nose handles the leaf hollows, with a fine finishing pass for the crisp tips. • Best in tight, even-grain stock such as maple, cherry, pear or basswood, or machinable modelling board for painted and gilded work. • If 3D printing instead, lay it flat on the bed and print face-up, no supports required; sand the fillets lightly before priming. • Scales up or down happily, but keep the leaf edges above roughly 1.5 mm so the tips do not turn fragile.