purfling

An ornamental border, generally composed of ebony and maple or sycamore, inlaid in the edges of violins and similar instruments.

Ornamentation on the border of a thing; specifically, the inlaid border of a musical instrument, as a violin.

Two very narrow strips of black wood enclosing a lighter-coloured strip of wood set close to the edge of the top and back of a string instrument such as a violin, cello or a guitar, following its outline. Double, painted-on and decorative patterns of purfling are also found.

Present participle of purfle.