Glossary A-C

Acanthus Decorative motif used since classical antiquity and found in almost every style since. Based on the leaves of the acanthus plant.

Anthemion Stylised decorative motif based on the honeysuckle flower, popular from the late 18th Century and particularly in the 19th century. Derived from classical Greek ornament.

Arabesque Intricate, repetitive, scrolling patterns based mainly on plant and flower motifs. Can be traced back to classical antiquity but mainly associated with the final decades of Louis XIV's reign and with designers such as Jean Berain.

Arcading Repetitive arched decoration often carved into panels on furniture during the 16th and 17th centuries. Associated particularly with oak furniture.

Armoire A large (usually French) cupboard or wardrobe.

Astragal A semicircular moulding used to separate the capital from the shaft of a column and now used as a term to describe any similar moulding especially those used in glazing bars and to separate doors.

Atlantes Carved male figures that support an entablature. Often the torso emerges from a column. See caryatid.

Aumbrey A medieval cupboard. Originally the cupboard would have been recessed into the wall of a church and used to house the bread and wine.

Baluster A turned column with a gently curved shape. Balustrade.

Bantamwork Incised decoration on a lacquer surface.

Barley Twist A spiral turning. Often used on table legs and columns.

Baroque European style of architecture, art and music following on from Mannerism. Characterised by ornate exuberance and movement. It began in Italy at the start of the 17th century.

Bergere A deep, low, upholstered armchair often with caned sides, back and seat.

Blind Fret Pierced decoration applied to a solid background.

Bobbin turning A type of turning consisting of a series of connected spheres.

Bombe Used to describe a bulging front of a piece of furniture, particularly a commode.

Boulle Marquetry After Andre-Charles Boulle who perfected a technique of inlaying brass and tortoiseshell to create marquetry panels. Sheets of brass and tortoiseshell were sandwiched together and a pattern cut out with a fine saw blade. Two panels could be used from each cutting one the reverse of the other, known as premiere partie and contre partie.

Buffet A large serving table often with two or three tiers.

Cable Moulding A moulding resembling a twisted rope. Associated with regency furniture.

Cabochon Raised oval decoration often found on the knee of chair leg.

Cabriole Leg A leg which curves out at the knee and inwards below before finishing in a foot.

Cartouche A carved tablet, usually oval, often flanked by scrolls. Designed to accommodate an inscription of armorial device.

Caryatid Carved female support for an entablature. See Atlantes.

Cassone Italian chest, often painted or heavily carved

Chimera Mythical animal with the head of a lion, the body of a goat and a serpents tail.

Cockbead Semi-circular moulding applied to the edge of a drawer front. In common usage since 1720.

Cornucopia A goats horn overflowing with fruit and flowers. A symbol of plenty.

Crossbanding Strip of veneer laid with the grain perpendicular to its length.

Crossgrained moulding Moulding with the grain running perpendicular to its length. Usually made up in short lengths.
Court cupboard Three tiered open cupboard dating from the end of the 16th century.

Cushion drawer A secret drawer with a convex front shaped to look like part of a cornice or moulding.