100 McKinney St Farmersville, Texas 75442 972-782-7222

Farmersvill

Dictionary of Antiques

A

Abattant A French term used to describe a drop front secretary desk, usually with drawers or cabinet doors below. Acanthus A carving of the acanthus leaf used to decorate furniture.

Adam Brothers Robert 1728-1792 and James 1730-1794 were English architects, influenced by the excavations at Pompeii in the 18th century. Characteristics of their style are straight lines, mythological figures, delicate ornaments, classical symmetry, satinwood, marquetry, and inlay.

Agate A form of quartz mineral with a strongly banded composition in which each layer differs in color and translucency. Colors range from reds, browns and yellows to greens, bluish white and white. Used for making jewelry, cameos, and in decorative objects d'art.

Alabaster Generally translucent and white or grey in color, alabaster is a form of the mineral gypsum which can be polished to a smooth and waxy finish. Often used in sculpture, decorative stone paneling, beads, and cabochons.

Alder A light brown hardwood from the Birch family.

Aliphatic Resin Popular yellow woodworking glue. Glue

All Wood Constructed of wooden components; includes solids, veneered and engineered woods. Furniture Amboyna A type of wood native to Southeast Asia typically orange or reddish-brown with a curled and mottled grain. Used for veneers and furniture.

Amphora A large, two-handled earthenware vessel with a narrow neck and usually an ovoid body, originally used in Greece for the storage of grain. Later adopted as a Neoclassical decorative motif.

Andirons Functional supports of cast iron or brass used in open fireplaces to hold logs.

Anthemion The classically inspired anthemion, or honeysuckle motif, originated with Greek and Roman motif architecture and was used extensively on furnishings and decorative arts of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It is marked by a stylized flower design of scrolling or radiating form. Famous furniture makers and designers including Gallows of Lancaster, Thomas Sheraton and George Hepplewhite incorporated this motif in their furniture designs.

Antique A work of art, a piece of furniture or any other decorative object which, according to United States law, must be at least 100 years old. The value of an antique depends upon its authenticity, beauty, age, rarity and condition.

Antiquing A decorative process to treat furniture in order to make it appear older than it is.

Apostle Spoon A spoon with a plain stem and a cast figure of an apostle as its finial.

Apothecary jars Cylindrical or oval shaped covered jars either of glass or china, designed for the storage of medicinal herbs. Some are presently converted to lamp bases or used as ornaments. Also called pharmacy jars.

Applied Relief decoration typically applied to the surface of a ceramic. Often used by Wedgwood to decoration adorn their jasper wares.

Applique' Term used to describe An applied ornamental piece.

Appraise The process of estimating or assessing the value of a piece.

Apron The board placed below the underside of a chair seat, table top or shelf usually for support; also referred to as the skirt.

Arabesque An ornamentation consisting of an interlacing design of foliage, usually designed for a vertical panel, with the sides resembling each other.

Arcading Carved architectural ornament suggesting arches. Often used on chair-backs and applied on panels.

Arm Chair A dining chair with arms (properly called an open armchair). Also, loosely, any chair with arms. A chair with arm rests attached to each side.

Armoire A movable wardrobe, usually with one or two doors, originating in late 16th century France.

Arrow Foot A cylindrical tapered foot.

Art Deco A style period from the 1920's and 1930's featuring basic geometric patterns and lines.

Art Nouveau Though relatively short lived, the Art Nouveau style, which appeared in the 1880s and faded out by the First World War, had a dramatic impact, influencing not only the decorative arts, but also painting and sculpture, jewelry design, architecture, fashion and advertising. A response to the changes brought on by the Industrial Revolution, Art Nouveau was characterized by flowing, abstract shapes and sinuous forms. Exotic woods, iridescent glass, silver and gems provided the medium for the period's exquisite creations.

Ash A highly figured hardwood having a variety of shades from a grayish hue to deep brown. Used chiefly in structural concealed portions of furniture. Assaying The process in which a piece is examined to determine the amount of precious metal contained. This examination is conducted at a legally appointed assayer's office to insure compliance with legal standards and the piece is officially stamped or hallmarked upon completion.

Astragal A small molding used to overlap or seal the joint where a pair of doors meets. Aubusson Flat, tapestry-woven coverings named for the French manufactory in Aubusson, established in 1664. Aubusson fabrics are highly-regarded and of exceptional quality.

B

Bachelor's A small chest of drawers; typically from the 18th century. Chest

Back Splat Vertical slat of wood in the center of the back of a chair.

Back Stool Literally, a joint stool with a back, the earliest form of side chair.

Backrest The back of a chair which supports a person's back while seated.

Bail The hanging loops or ring which forms a handle.

Baize A woolen fabric similar to felt; commonly used on gaming tables.

Baker's Rack Open, slat back shelving unit with or without a cabinet below used for storing goods in the kitchen.

Ball Foot A full round turning used as a foot on furniture items.

Ball-and-Claw A furniture foot cut to imitate a talon or claw grasping a ball. Of Chinese origin, the motif was Foot greatly used in English 18th-century furniture.

Baluster Turned vase-shaped vertical post supporting the rail of a staircase or splat of a chair.

Banding Strip of veneer used as a border for table tops, drawer fronts, etc.

Baroque A style of architecture, art and decoration which originated in Italy during the late 16th century and spread throughout Europe. It is characterized by over scaled, bold details and sweeping curves.

Barrel Chair Semicircular or barrel shaped low back chair.

Barye, Antoine- French sculptor and painter of animal subjects, who became a primary, figure in the Romantic Louis movement along with his contemporary Eugene Delacroix. Barye received a medal from the Salon in 1831 for Tiger Devouring a Gavial and his talents paved the way for future bronze sculptors, including his student Auguste Rodin. Barye was also an innovative bronze craftsman developing new techniques of casting, chiseling and pagination which became the cornerstone of modern bronze work.

BasRelief A sculpture or carving that project minimally from the background.

Bateman, (1709-1794) London silversmith who took over the family business after the death of her Hester husband in 1760, transforming the small workshop into a hugely successful enterprise. Possessing exceptional skill and taste, Hester Bateman, along with her sons Peter and John produced some of the finest domestic and presentation sterling pieces ever created. Highly revered for her restrained decoration, works by this talented smith are highly collectible and exceedingly scarce.

Beauvais A type of tapestry originally made at Beauvais, France. Subjects depicted are usually flowers, fruit, landscapes, and pastorals.

Bed Bench (or A wooden bench or settle whose boxlike seat opened out to form a bed. Bed Settle)

Bed Hangings Curtains surrounding a four-poster bed that not only ensured warmth and privacy but also displayed the family's wealth and good taste. Bed hangings were among the most expensive linens in a colonial household.

Bed Pole Either the poles running between the tops of the bed posts to support the hangings, or a long handled paddle used for smoothing the sheets when making a bed kept in the corner of a room.

Bed Steps A set of two or three steps, sometimes with a compartment for a chamber pot, to help the elderly, the delicate, and the short legged get in and out of high beds.

Bed Warmer A long handled brass or copper pan that held hot coals for warming the bed. Called a "warming pan" in England.

Bedding Down A short candle that burned for only 15 or 20 minutes and extinguished itself after one had candle gone to bed. The stub ends of regular candles were often used in this way.

Bed-moss A fibrous growth on trees, sometimes called Spanish moss, used for bed stuffing.

Bedstead A piece of furniture resembling a secretary, in which the "desk" opened to a washstand, and Washstand the "bookcase" to a bed. An extreme example of Victorian ingenuity, but there were many like it, showing that even by the end of the 19th century, living rooms were still slept in.

Beech A hardwood which lacks a pronounced grain.

Bell turning A type of turning used for furniture legs and pedestal supports shaped like a conventional bell. Common in the William and Mary style.

Belle Epoque Curvilinear high style of the later part of the 19th century and early 20th century, combining Victorian eclecticism and the flowing, sinuous forms of Art Nouveau.

Belleek A light, fragile feldspathic porcelain cast in molds finished with a lustrous pearly glaze. Invented c. 1860 by William Goss of Stoke and improved by William Bromley at the Irish factory of David McBirney & Co.in Belleek Co., Fermanaugh. Belleek was also produced at many American factories from 1882-1900 and is known as lotus ware by Knowles of East Liverpool.

Belter, John John Henry Belter stands at the forefront of American cabinetmakers of the Rococo Revival Henry and is widely considered the finest furniture maker of the period. Belter patented an unusual method of cutting through incredibly sturdy laminated wood which allowed him to create extraordinary carvings well-suited to the flamboyant tastes of Victorian America. His work literally defined formal American furnishings of the mid-19th century.

Bentwood Wood that has been steam bent into curved shapes; commonly seen on rocking chairs.

Bergere Armchair with filled-in sides from French designs of c.1725. Early models were caned, later ones upholstered.

Berry Spoon A dessert sized spoon with fruit embossed on the bowl (many Georgian spoons have Victorian embossing). Used for eating fruit.

Bevel An edge which is cut at a slant to that of a main area such as that of a beveled mirror.

Biedermeier A style of furniture produced in Austria and Germany during the first half of the 19th century. Inspired by French Empire and German painted peasant work. The name was borrowed from an imaginary cartoon character called Papa Biedermeier, an uneducated country gentleman who considered himself a connoisseur of fine and industrial arts. Simple marquetry patterns were used with pressed brass ornaments of Greek inspiration as well as painted motifs of wreaths, urns, and floral, animal and human forms. Woods used were mainly fruitwoods, maple, mahogany and birch.

Birch A hardwood with a close grain and a deep tan hue. One of the strongest cabinet woods grown in America.

Bird Boxes Mechanical singing bird boxes initially appeared in the 1780s as toys for royalty and extremely wealthy noblemen. Today, these wonderful boxes continue to delight and are highly sought after by collectors. Known as tabatière in France (from the French word for tobacco, they resemble tobacco or snuff boxes) each box conceals a richly colored, hand- feathered miniature bird. When the lid is opened, the bird appears and sings a lovely tune, while moving his beak and flapping his wings. When the birdsong is complete, the tiny creature simply slips back into the box and the lid automatically closes behind it. Elaborately ornamented, a painstaking and costly process is required to create just one of these treasures, and each piece is wonderfully unique.

Bird's eye A decorative wood feature most common in maple. It is formed by small depressions in the outermost growth ring of the timber, with the later growth following the contours and forms a series of small concentric circles when cut.

Bisque (biscuit) Unglazed porcelain or pottery commonly used for Neo-Classical reliefs and statuettes since the middle of the 18th century.

Black basalts Unglazed line-grained black stoneware perfected by Wedgwood c. 1769. Decorated with relief, gilding or enameling.

Black Forest Furniture carved in and around Bern, Switzerland during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, commonly identified by its use of carved bears and other creatures of the forest, such as deer and birds. Bear furniture originally began as a hobby for the Swiss family of cabinetmakers and wood-carvers named Trauffer. The linden tree was preferred for most furniture as it is easy to carve, but walnut was also widely used.

Blackamoors The first blackamoors were created in Venice in the late 17th century. Later, during the mid- 1800s, Venetian artists carved some of the most impressive and graceful examples known, much to the delight of wealthy European families whose demand for fine art and furnishings seemed insatiable. Blackamoor figures ranged from monumental, life-size figures serving as torchieres to diminutive table top figurines used as candleholders.

Blanket An American term for a lift top chest with drawers underneath. Low storage chest with hinged Chest See Mule lid often referred to as a hope chest used during Colonial times. Chest.

Block-front A three section chest with the center section set back from the end sections.

Blue John A variety of the mineral fluorspar with distinctive banding of blue, violet, and purple, found at Treak Cliff, near Castleton in Derbyshire, England. Since the Roman era, blue john has been used for the production of decorative wares which were shaped on a lathe.

Blue Willow The most common of all transfer patterns, blue willow was first produced at the Caughley Pottery in 1780 and is still made today. The pattern was derived from the Chinese by Thomas Turner. His busy, crowded composition is a westernization of the sparer, more economical Chinese design (oriental wares made for export were always more heavily decorated than those made for domestic use), and it caught European taste so well that it was widely produced by factories in England, Germany, Holland, Japan, and, later on, America. The pattern depicts three figures, a bridge, a pagoda, birds, and trees in a Chinese landscape. According to legend, it tells the story of a pair of lovers fleeing from an angry father: the gods changed them into birds to enable them to escape him. A nice, romantic nineteenth century story that is purely European in concept: China is a land of arranged marriages, not of romantic love.

Blue and White Staffordshire was the center of the pottery industry in England, and many factories operated Staffordshire there from the mid18th century to the present day. The development of transfer printing (see below) allowed these potteries to become among the earliest mass manufacturers, and their affordable products rapidly swept pewter off the tables of the English and American middleclass households. From the 1780s, Staffordshire factories produced huge quantities of transferware for the domestic and export markets. To protect these profitable industries, English colonial laws forbad the development of ceramic factories in America, so shiploads of blue and white crossed the Atlantic. Blue was the most popular color, partly because cobalt was the easiest pigment to fire, but transferware was also produced in green, magenta, and black. Designs that required fine lines, such as a ship's rigging, reproduced most clearly in black.

Boiserie Richly carved woodwork used as panels, especially in 17th and 18th century French decoration.

Bombe A French term, literally meaning "blown out", describing a large outward swelling curve on the front of a piece of furniture.

Bonheur-du- A small, light lady's writing desk first made in France in the 1760s. It has a central drawer in jour front, tiered shelves and cupboards in back, and sometimes a shelf between the legs.

Bonnet top In cabinet work, a top with a broken pediment or arch, or a curved or scroll top with a central finial motif in the shape of a flame, urn, etc.

Book matched A veneering technique where two slices of veneer are glued next to each other so that grain patterns mirror each other.

Boulle Decorative type of marquetry in which tortoiseshell, brass, copper and tin were cut and pierced into elaborate floral or curving designs. Originally a 10th century Italian process, Boulle marquetry developed in 17th century France and was perfected by Andre-Charles Boulle (1642-1732).

Bow-front A convex front of a chest or buffet.

Box Joint An interlocking joint commonly used to construct cabinet drawers.

Bracket Foot Decorative or plain right angled foot shaped like a bracket placed at each corner of the piece.

Brass An alloy used for furniture handles, knobs, hinges and fasteners; also used to construct headboards and footboards.

Breakfast Table A small movable table with drop leaves or rectangular tilting top on a tripod base.

Breakfront Cabinet piece the front of which has one or more projecting portions.

Britannia silver A silver alloy introduced after the English Civil War to prevent the melting down of sterling coins to create silver objects. Britannia silver was mandatory in England from 1697 to 1720 and is composed of 958 parts silver in 1000. All Britannia silver is hallmarked with the figure of Britannia.

Brocade A jacquard weaves fabric, with pattern in low relief, usually on a satin background. It may be in one or more colors and has an embroidered effect.

Bronze dore Ornamental coating of gold leaf or gold dust. Also known as gliding.

Buffet A sideboard used in the dining area for serving food or the storage of silverware and dishes.

Bun foot A furniture support that resembles a slightly flattened ball or sphere. Commonly used in William and Mary case furniture.

Bureau Desk popular in late 17th-century England and France distinguished by its sloping fall-front. The flap is hinged at the base and rests on loppers when open, folding up at an angle when closed. In America, used to describe a bedroom chest-of-drawers.

Burl An abnormal growth on trees usually near the base of the trunk or crotch which is usually cut for veneer because of its figured pattern.

Butler's Table An oval table with four sides hinged upwards that fold out flat when in use.

Butt Joint A simple but weak joint used to join two boards together at right angles.

C

Cabinet A cupboard with doors, shelves and or drawers used for storage or display.

Cabochon Smooth round or oval raised decoration. (2) The simplest style of a gemstone; oval, round or teardrop shaped with a rounded top and flat or concave base. This style is used for many opaque stones.

Cabriole leg A furniture leg with a double curve. A stylized form of animal hind leg with elongated "S" shape. Popular in late 18th-century and 19th-century Europe.

Cabriole Furniture leg which curves outward from where it's attached descending in a reverse curve into an ornamental foot.

Cache pot A French term used to identify a decorative china or metal jardinière designed to hold a small potted plant or cut flowers.

Caddy Spoon A short spoon (usually about 3" long) with a large bowl. Used for spooning tea leaves from a tea caddy. Made of sterling silver in many fanciful and decorative shapes. Highly collectible.

Cake or Pie A symmetrical utensil shaped like a large, flat triangle, used for serving cakes and pies. See Server Fish Slice.

Camel back Chair or sofa back of late Chippendale or Hepplewhite style. The top rail is in the form of a serpentine curve with two humps downward and three humps upward.

Cameo A small-scale, shallow relief decoration of carved stone, shell, glass or ceramic typically set against a contrasting colored background developed during the Hellenistic period. Cameos are predominately used in jewelry decoration.

Cameo glass Glass decoration utilizing two layers of glass in which the exterior layer, usually white, is cut away from the underlying colored layer creating a contrasting relief design.

Campaign Bed A four poster bed, easily demountable, for use by military officers in the field. Can or Wine A small handle less cup of silver or porcelain, usually a straight sided or slightly flared Can cylinder, used for drinking wine in the eighteenth century.

Candelabra A branched candlestick or lamp stand.

Candle-stand A small stand, usually on a tripod base, and easily movable. To hold a candlestick.

Cane Webbing Pre-woven cane machine made from individual strands of chair cane available in various widths and patterns. Held in place using a tapered reed spline pressed into a groove.

Caning A woody stem of rattan or sugar cane used for wickerwork, seats of chairs, summer furniture, etc.

Canopy A draped covering of fabric suspended over a piece of furniture and supported by four posts.

Canterbury Ornamental stand having compartments and divisions for papers, portfolios, envelopes, magazines, etc. Originally designed for storing sheet music and books, Canterbury’s first appeared in England during the late 18th century, and today are suitably designed for holding magazines and newspapers.

Capital The decorative crowning motif atop a column or pilaster shaft usually composed of moldings and ornament. The most characteristic feature of each classical architectural order.

Captain's Chair A short backed, rounded arm chair with spindles.

Card or Game A small folding table at which four people could sit. Used for playing cards or other games. Table Often with a fold over top. A very common form of table in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Carlton House The original “Carlton House” desk was made in the 1790s for George IV, then the Prince of Desk Wales, living at Carlton House in London. Though little else is known about the origins of this important desk, the style and bearing are doubtless the hallmarks of a Thomas Sheraton design. Many variations emerged from that original desk.

Carnauba Wax Wax obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm used in waxes and polishes Cartouche Typically oval in shape, a cartouche is an ornamental motif with curved or scrolling edges. Often the cartouche contains a coat-of-arms or an inscription.

Caryatid A decorative upright female figure used in the place of a column.

Case furniture Furniture which provides storage space.

Case Goods Storage pieces typically made of wood such as dressers, bookcases, hutches, chests and desks.

Cassolette A vase, usually gilt-bronze, with a pierced lid for burning perfume pastilles made in France from the 17th century on. Some examples often have a cover which reverses to form a candlestick.

Caster Spoon A sauce ladle with a pierced bowl. Used for sprinkling sugar over fruit. (or Ladle) Caster Small wheel designed to allow furniture to be moved; used on chairs and antique case goods.

Casters Made in sets of three, with a large pierced caster for sugar, a smaller pierced caster for black pepper and a third, non-pierced caster for mustard. The mustard caster's top usually features decorative engraving or other decoration.

Catalyzed A highly durable reactive film finish; a lacquer with an added catalyst to accelerate a chemical Lacquer reaction during evaporation.

Celadon A semi-translucent, usually green glaze, used on Chinese stoneware.

Cellaret An eighteenth century lidded case for wine bottles, often of the highest craftsmanship, usually on casters. Cellarets were fitted with locks to keep bibulous servants at bay and were typically kept under serving tables in the dining room. Sideboards, introduced at the end of the century, included cupboards for storing bottles. They rapidly replaced cellarets.

Chaise lounge A long chair designed for relaxing and semi-reclining, usually upholstered. Also called a daytime sofa.

Champlevé A type of enameling in which powdered glass is placed in the hollowed-out areas of a piece before firing.

Charles II or The style period after the Cromwellian Protectorate. King Charles II brought French taste to Restoration England following his exile from England to the French court. Characterized by the use of walnut, although oak is still prominent.

Chasing A technique used to decorate metal objects, especially silver, which involves the use of shaped punches and a chasing hammer to model the piece.

Chenet Chenets, or andirons, were a staple of any well-appointed home, serving as both decorative and useful objects. They were placed in front of a fireplace to protect priceless rugs and flooring from rolling logs.

Cherry Hardwood obtained from the cherry tree used in furniture construction.

Chest of A chest fitted with drawers. Drawers Chest on Chest Tall chest consisting of two stacked chest of drawers with the upper chest being narrower than the base chest.

Chest on Stand A two-part case piece consisting of a chest of drawers on a separate stand that may have one drawer in it, or raised on short legs (see Highboy).

Chest A large storage box with lid, designed to stand on the floor. The earliest form of storage, common from the seventeenth century onwards. (See also Coffer.)

Chesterfield An overstuffed sofa of large size with a continuous straight back and upholstered ends.

Chest-on-chest A chest of drawers consisting of two parts, one mounted on top of the other. Similar to a tallboy.

Cheval Mirror Freestanding full length mirror supported by uprights on each side allowing the mirror to pivot.

Chiffonier Tall. Narrow chest of drawers commonly used to store lingerie.

China Cabinet Display cabinet placed upon a buffet used to display or store dishes.

Chintz Brightly colored and polished fabric.

Chippendale English furniture designer and maker whose book The Director, published in 1754, and dramatically influenced the direction of English (and American) style and taste. Ornate, carved style of furniture from the 18th century.

Chocolate cup A large cup with two handles a cover and a saucer.

Claw Foot Carved furniture foot resembling an animal's claw.

Cloisonné A type of enameling in which compartments separated by thin strips of metal are filled with powdered glass prior to firing.

Club Chair Low back upholstered chair with arms.

Cockfighting Chair for reading and writing or viewing sports events used by straddling the seat and facing chair the back. The back has a small shelf. Popular from Queen Anne to Chippendale periods.

Coffee Table Long, low table placed in front of seating.

Coffer A chest, originally for storing valuables, but now used to refer to one made in the seventeenth century. More information about early Tudor coffers.

Coil Spring A conical coiled spring used in rows for seating support.

Commemorative Wares that commemorate an important or historical event, such as a battle, coronation, or Wares wedding.

Commode French form of low chest-of-drawers, originally intended for the drawing room, dating from the mid-17th-century and very popular in the 18th century. Became a term for bedroom cupboards in the 19th century.

Console Table Small or narrow table designed to be placed against or fixed to a wall.

Contemporary Modern look or style of furniture.

Corkscrew The earliest ones, usually of steel, were made around 1600, and are now very rare. Much more common are silver handled ones, produced in Birmingham, England, from about 1775, and imported in large quantities for the rapidly growing American middle class. Many were fitted with a brush for cleaning the labels in the dusty cellar. The nineteenth century saw a huge proliferation of corkscrews whose handles were made in almost every metal in forms that ranged from the beautiful through the curious to the obscene.

Corner Blocks Small blocks of wood glued in place to reinforce or strengthen adjoining pieces of wood.

Corner Cabinet Triangular shaped cabinet designed for use in a corner.

Corner Chair A chair with a semicircular back around two sides. In the period, often called desk chair or smoking chair, and rarely set in a corner. An eighteenth-century form.

Corner A triangular washstand designed to stand in the corner of a bedroom. (See Washstand.) Washstand

Cornice The projecting, crowning portion of a classical entablature. Also horizontal molding at the top of case pieces, such as bookcases and cabinets.

Cornucopia Classical motif in the shape of a goat's horn out of which spills fruit, vegetables, and flowers. A symbol of fertility and abundance popular during the Baroque and Rococo periods. Also horn-of-plenty.

Coromandel This valuable wood hails from India, Sri Lanka and South East Asia. Characterized by its hazel brown color with dramatic black stripes, this wood is heavy and very hard, much like ebony wood, to which it is closely related. Coromandel was used in the finest furnishings such as cases, revered for its distinct appearance. It was also used to craft walking sticks, billiard cues and musical instruments.

Couch Modern adaptation of a daybed; provides seating for more than one individual.

Court Cupboard A sixteenth and seventeenth century storage and display piece that may be open or enclosed, usually heavily carved.

Crackle A network of cracks in the glaze of some Chinese porcelain, deliberately introduced as decoration.

Crazing Tiny surface cracks in the glaze of porcelain or on a painting.

Creamware Lead-glazed and cream colored earthenware with a light body consisting of pale clay. Cream ware was perfected in Staffordshire in the mid-18th century.

Credence A seventeenth century side table with folding top, often semicircular or hexagonal in form. Table

Credenza Sideboard or buffet with doors used for storage; commonly found in an office behind a desk.

Cross Banding Veneer applied to the edge of table tops or drawer fronts at a right angle to the face veneer.

Crotch veneer A thin sheet of wood cut from the intersection of the main trunk and branch of a tree, showing an irregular effect of graining.

Crown molding The highest molding on a door, window, or cabinet.

Cruet A cruet is a small bottle used for oils, vinegars and other condiments. Its earliest use was ecclesiastical for wine, oil and water. A few medieval examples exist today. In the late 17th century, cruets were used domestically and were made of glass imported from Italy and adorned with silver or silver-plated mounts. Cruets were grouped together on a stand in a frame or rack typically with a central vertical handle and supporting feet. The number of bottles could vary from two to six or more and were often combined with casters.

Crystal Fine, high-quality glass containing lead oxide invented in 17th century England. The lead oxide is attributed to providing the glass with extraordinary qualities of brilliance, sound and a suitable texture for cutting or engraving. Some of the finest crystal ever made is from Baccarat in France (est. 1816) and Waterford in Ireland (est. 1729).

Curio Cabinet Tall, slender, sometimes lighted cabinet with glass doors and panels used to display collectibles.

Cut glass Any glass whose surface has been cut into facets, grooves and depressions aided by a large, rotating wheel. Wheel cutting glass decoration was developed in the 8th century BC, but the technique of faceting wasn't perfected until the 18th century in England. Although cutting glass is a costly and difficult process, the brilliant effects are extraordinary!

D

Dacron Common trade name for polyester fiber; used as a wrap on seat cushions.

Damask A linen, cotton, rayon, or silk fabric with a reversible jacquard weave and a lustrous surface.

Davenport desk These small writing desks most often feature a sloping top, brass galleries, a set of drawers on one side and false drawer fronts on the other. It is believed that the famous furniture making firm, Gillows of London, first created the desk around 1790 for a Captain Davenport.

Daybed Seating unit that can double as a bed. de Lamerie, Paul de Lamerie (1688-1751) - The most celebrated silversmith in history who was primarily Paul responsible for England's emergence as the world's leader in important silver production. His work, characterized by technical superiority and ingenious design, was commissioned by English nobility and Russian aristocrats.

Deck The foundation of a chair or sofa where the loose cushions are placed.

Delft Earthenware made in The Netherlands, known for its heavy glaze. A blue underglaze decoration on conventional patterns with town and landscape scenes on a white background.

Density Reference to the weight of foam used for seat and back cushions; either low density or high density.

Dentil Molding Decorative molding utilizing evenly spaced blocks.

Desert Spoon A midsized spoon made from about 1750 onwards, usually in sets.

Dining Chairs A set of chairs comprising sides and two arms designed to go around a dining table.

Dining Table A table designed exclusively for eating, usually large, often made in sections or to fold so that it could be made smaller when not in use.

Diorama A life-size exhibit of a wildlife specimen or scene with realistic natural surroundings and a painted background.

Directoire A period of design in France after the Revolution, from 1795 to 1804. Characterized by Roman motifs and named for the Directory, the government at the time.

Distressing A finishing technique to make the wood appear aged or old by adding rub marks, small holes and indentations.

Dog Nose (or A rat tail spoon, whose finial is like that of a trefid with the notches eliminated, shaped like a Wavy End) dog's head when viewed from above. Dog nose spoons were made from c 16901710 in silver Spoon and pewter.

Dovetail A term in carpentry used to designate a method of joinery. A tendon or tongue that flares outward in the shape of a dove's tail that interlocks with alternating similar grooves or projections from another piece of wood. Frequently used to join corners of drawers and cabinets.

Dowel Round wooden pin; usually spiral fluted or reeded used to join pieces of wood together and strengthen the joint.

Drawer An open top box or compartment for storage that slides in and out in a cabinet.

Dresser (often A two-part country piece. The top consisting of shelves for storage and display of plates and Welsh Dresser) other dishes; the lower part with drawers and sometimes doors. Besides being used for storage, was used to "dress" food just before it was served. See also Low Dresser.

Drop Leaf A table having hinged extension leaves that are supported by a bracket when in use and hang vertically against the table when not in use.

Drop-front A top or front of a desk hinged at the bottom that drops to a horizontal position, forming a surface for writing. Also called a drop-lid.

Drum A circular table with drawers around its rim on a central pedestal. Table (also called Library Table or Rent Table)

Dumbwaiter A serving table, consisting of three or four circular trays on a central shaft with the smallest table being at the top and the largest at the bottom. Also known as a tier table.

Dust Cover The material or fabric used to cover the bottom of a sofa or chair; also called cambric.

E

Early American A period in the design of American furniture during the 17th and early 18th centuries. The designs were simple and rugged generally made of solid wood, especially pine, maple, birch, and oak. The furniture was copied largely from English Jacobean and William and Mary styles.

Earthenware All pottery except for stoneware.

Ebonized Wood stained dark and polished to simulate ebony.

Ebonizing The staining of wood to black to resemble ebony, a common decorative technique used in Louis XIV furniture.

Ebony The name given to several different woods that is very dark in color, sometimes dark brown or green to black in color.

Egg-and-dart A decorative motif of classical origin consisting of ovoid or egg shapes alternating with dart- like points.

Elm A uniform and fine textured wood with a light brownish-red color tinged with darker brown ring marks.

Embossed A low relief raised design such as an ornamental piece made through pressure rather than carving.

Embossing A process of stamping, hammering or molding a material so that a design protrudes beyond the surface.

Empire A period of Neo-classic design during the reign of Napoleon 1804-14. Greek, Roman, and Egyptian motifs were widely used. The style spread throughout Europe and appeared in America in some of Duncan Phyfe's work.

Enamel A painted porcelain decoration in vitreous colors that fuse to the glazed surface during low temperature kiln firing. Enamel sinks deeply into soft-paste porcelain but is not absorbed by hard-paste porcelain.

Engineered Man-made sheet goods made from wood chips and glue under pressure; commonly referred Wood to as particle board.

Engraving The process of cutting or carving lines into a surface.

Entertainment Cabinet or shelving unit used to store a television, video and audio components. Center

Epergne An ornamental centerpiece usually of glass or silver or a combination of both. Two or more vase-shaped holders are branched upward from a decorative base to hold flowers.

Epoxy A high strength two part adhesive consisting of a resin and hardener.

Escutcheon Metal plate fitted around a keyhole for protection and decoration or to which a handle or knob can be attached.

Espagnolette (French) decorative bronze bust of female form, typically found on French rococo furnishings.

Etagere An open shelving unit used for display purposes.

Etchings Prints from a copper plate upon which a drawing or design has been made by a metal tool.

F

Fabergé Extraordinary jeweled works of art by Peter Carl Fabergé, legendary jeweler to the Czars of Russia.

Fabric Cloth produced by weaving natural or synthetic textile fibers together.

Faience Richly decorated and colorful pottery produced first in Faenza, Italy and at Rouen, France about 1644. Small flowers, cornucopias and arrows are typical motifs done in blue, green, and yellow on a cream white background.

Fairyland Daisy Maekig-Jones’ arrival at the Wedgwood factory came at a most opportune moment in Lustre that company’s illustrious history. For centuries, Wedgwood had been a leader in innovation (Wedgwood) and design, but by the early 20th century, they teetered on the brink of financial ruin. The public had tired of the classic motifs and muted colors of traditional Wedgwood, instead seeking something more vibrant and uplifting, no doubt to distract them from the hardships brought on by the First World War. When Maekig-Jones’ introduced her dazzling designs and cutting-edge glazing techniques in 1915, it proved to be the perfect antidote for the ailing Wedgwood factory. Her fantastical fairies and enchanted forests filled with butterflies, dragons and playful pixies captivated the public and led many to believe she was delightfully and brilliantly mad. Maekig-Jones‘ Fairyland Lustre line single-handedly pulled Wedgwood back to profitability. Maekig-Jones retired in 1931, leaving behind an amazing body of work that continues to enchant and entice collectors today.

Fall Front A hinged door of a secretary desk that drops down to create a writing surface.

Farm Table A country table with a solid top and no drop leaves, usually rectangular in shape.

Fauteuil French open-armed chair with upholstered seat and back.

Federal An American period 1780-1830 influenced by English Adam, Sheraton, Regency, Hepplewhite, French Directoire, and Empire. Mahogany was used extensively but cherry, pine, and maple were also used. The most common ornament on this period of furniture was the eagle.

Feldspathic The glaze on hard-paste porcelain which fuses into a type of natural glass at a very high glaze temperature.

Figuring The natural grain patterns of woods such as curly maple.

Filigree (metal) Decorative technique using open or backed wire work. The fine wire is typically gold or silver and is worked into an intricate design.

Finger Joint Used to join short pieces of wood at the ends to make a longer one; provides strength through increased glue surface area.

Finial An ornament used as a terminating motif usually in the form of a ball, flame, flower, acorn, pineapple, or vase.

Finish The protective coating applied to furniture to protect the substrate; common finishes include paint, lacquer and polyurethane.

Fish Slice An asymmetrical serving utensil with a wide, flat blade, usually pierced and decorated, using for serving fish at the table.

Fleur De Lis A French floral emblem or carving in the shape of an Iris or Lily.

Flip-top A table having two leaves, one on top of the other.

Flow Transferware produced in numerous patterns in which the cobalt blue ink flowed, or smeared, Blue (originally during firing. The resulting out-of-focus look was colorful and popular, and flow blue was called "flowing widely produced in England and the Netherlands from 1830 to 1900. Its popularity was blue") welcomed by the manufacturers, because the flowing disguised the smudges that were made if the transfer was moved slightly as it was laid on the item: this enabled them to deskill the decorating process even more, and thus to pay even lower wages to the women and girls who did the job.

Fluting Decoration formed by making parallel, concave grooves. In classical architecture they are commonly seen on column shafts and run in a vertical direction.

Footrest The brace or bar at the front of a stool for your feet.

Formica Registered brand name of plastic laminate material.

Fourposter A bed with four tall corner posts, that may, or may not, support a tester. Frame The basic structure of an upholstered chair or sofa; usually made from a hardwood.

French Ivory Synthetic ivory. An artificial plastic produced to imitate ivory first produced by the Xylonite Company in 1866. Other names include Celluloid, Ivoride, Ivorine, Ivorite and Pyralin.

French polish A durable finish of high gloss created by applying successive layers of shellac varnish to wood. The degree of shine may vary from subtle gloss to a mirrored gloss. The name is used because it is believed to have been first used in France in the late 1600s.

French Furniture style created by craftsmen in the French provinces. Local woods were generally Provincial used for pieces that were practical for the home. Tended to be simpler versions of the Louis XV style.

Fresco A painting done on plaster before it dries, generally in mural decoration.

Fretwork Elaborate form of pierced decoration in wood created by using a fretsaw.

Front Rail The front cross piece of wood between the legs of a piece of furniture such as a chair.

G

Gadroon Applied series of small vertical, diagonal or twisted flutes commonly used as a border decoration on silverware.

Galle, Emile (1846-1904) French glassmaker, potter and cabinetmaker renowned for his stunning Art Nouveau pieces which revitalized the decorative arts industry at the turn of the century. Galle's design interests reflected the contemporary taste for botany and entomology, and his techniques were innovative and quite productive. In 1874, Galle established his own glass shop in Nancy creating pieces that amazed the public at several Exposition Universelles in Paris. He introduced his glassware’s in 1878 and his complex marquetry furniture pieces in 1889. Galle's talent was widely recognized and he was elected to the prestigious Legion d'honneur in 1900.

Gallery The ornamental metal or wood railing around the edge of a table or desk.

Gallery Rail Small or low railing used around a shelf or table top.

Gateleg Table A table with two drop leaves that are supported on swinging "gates," which pivot from the frame and stretchers (top and bottom) of the table.

Georgian A period of design in English furniture from 1714 to 1795. Among the best known designers were Hepplewhite, Sheraton, Chippendale, and the Adams Brothers. Mahogany and walnut were the chief woods used.

Gesso A prepared plaster of chalk and white lead which may be cast to make repeating ornamental forms in relief to be applied to wood panels, plaster surfaces, etc.

Gilding Decorative effect of applying gold leaf or powder to a surface.

Gillows Founded in 1703 by Robert Gillows, the Gillows firm operated successfully as a family-owned business well into the 19th century. Operating from Lancaster, England, Gillows was especially noted for their quality and innovative designs.

Gimp A fabric fold used to hide upholstery fasteners or tacks.

Girandole Elaborate candelabra associated with Rococo and Neoclassical design. Also refers to heavily carved or glided sconces or wall brackets with mirrored back plates to reflect the candlelight.

Glaze A shiny, glassy surface coating that also seals porous bodies of porcelain and pottery. Glazes can be translucent, opaque or colored. Lead and salt glazes are applied to pottery and soft- paste porcelain, feldspathic glazes to hard-paste porcelain.

Glazing Finishing step of applying and wiping off stain used to highlight wood grain and features such as carvings.

Glide Applied to the bottom of furniture legs to protect the floor surface and make the piece easier to move around; commonly made from metal, nylon or felt.

Glue Block A small block of wood used to reinforce a joint.

Gold Leaf Thin leaves of gold used in gilding.

Grain The natural patterns in wood created by the direction of fibers.

Greenaway, Victorian children's book author and illustrator, Kate Greenaway (1846-1901) stole the hearts Kate of young and old with her charming depictions of young children. Several of her images were reproduced by prominent silver companies during the Victorian era for figural napkin rings, which are now the most highly sought after figural.

Gueridon A small table or pedestal with a circular top dating from the 17th and early 18th centuries. Originally used to support candelabras.

H

Hallmark A mark or stamp applied to a precious metal by a legally appointed official denoting quality of a piece after assaying, examining to determine the amount of precious metal contained in a piece.

Hand Rubbed An oil finish applied to a piece of furniture by hand. Finish

Handkerchief A triangular table with a triangular drop leaf that becomes square when the leaf is raised. Table Hard-paste Hard-paste (or true) porcelain is compounded of china clay (kaolin) and powdered felspathic porcelain rock (china stone or petuntse). It is glazed with petuntse which fuses into a form of natural glass under intense heat.

Hardwood The wood from deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves during winter).

Harvest Table A long narrow table with two narrow drop leaves supported on pullout lopers.

Hassock A tightly stuffed, upholstered cushion used as a footstool or seat.

Headboard The upright structure attached to the head of the bed frame.

Hepplewhite An English designer in the18th century who frequently co-operated with the Adams Brothers. He wrote "The Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer's Guide." Highboy (also A two-part case piece. The upper consisting of three or four layers drawers, the lower of one called Tallboy or two layers of drawers raised on legs. in England)

Hired man's A narrow slatted bed, often spool turned, produced in quantity by factories in the Midwest and bed New England between about 1840 and 1890. Despite its name, it was designed as cottage furniture, not for servants.

Historical Blue A blue and white china made in Staffordshire for the American market from about 1820 to 1840. The pattern shows American scenes or historical events surrounded by a flowered border. Each factory had its own border, but the same scenes were copied by many factories. English scenes were also produced, but it is the American ones that are most eagerly collected. "Second period" historical blue was popular from about 1850 to 1920. It showed a greater number of scenes, many of which were specially printed as souvenirs for the growing tourist trade. It is often printed in a lighter blue than the deep cobalt of the first period, is easier to find, cheaper, and widely collected.

Hope Chest A hinged top chest for the storage of items in anticipation of marriage.

Huntboard Originally used to serve food and refreshments after a hunt; light or portable sideboard.

Hutch An upper cabinet consisting of shelves; with or without doors placed upon a chest, desk or buffet.

I

Imari Heavily decorated Japanese porcelain with over glaze enamels and gilding. Popular in the first half of the 18th century.

Incised A pattern or carving produced by cutting into a stone, wood, or other hard surface. The reverse of relief carving.

Inlay Form of decoration used in furniture and ceramics, inlay is when part of a surface is removed and replaced with a contrasting material.

Intaglio A decorative technique in which a design is cut into a hard surface. Intaglio is also the Italian word for carving.

Intarsia A form of inlay similar to marquetry; decorative inlaid panel or dimensional image. Irish Furniture During the 18th century, very few Irish families were wealthy enough to afford luxurious (18th-Century) furnishings. With middle-class demand virtually non-existent, almost all Irish furniture was of exceptional quality and crafted exclusively for the tiny aristocratic population. Though talented 18th-century Irish craftsmen produced only a relatively few pieces, their work is considered among the finest ever. Today, Irish furniture is highly sought after by collectors, though few pieces are found on the market.

Ironstone china Created to imitate porcelain, Ironstone china was first made in England in 1813 by Charles James Mason of Staffordshire and was known as "Mason's Ironstone." Ironstone china is very hard, opaque and pale-bodied.

J

Jacobean Period in English design from 1603 to 1688, characterized by practicality and a tendency toward Baroque. Early American furniture is based on this period. Box-like and architectural in style.

Jacquard Type of weave done on a loom invented by Joseph Marie Jacquard in 1801, making possible a variety of intricate patterns. Demasks, brocades, and tapestries can be woven on jacquard looms.

Japan Drier A drying agent or solvent used to speed up the drying time of oil based finishes. Japan patterns Japanese-inspired designs on English pottery and porcelain (for example, Worcester)

Japanning Term used for European techniques to imitate designs from the Far East. Jardiniere A plant or flower container.

Jasper dip and A fine-grained unglazed stoneware perfected by Wedgwood in 1775. This white stoneware jasperware could be stained with different colors, usually blue, lilac, sage green and black. From about 1780 on the coloring could be on the outer surface only and is known as jasper dip.

Joinery The craft of assembling woodwork by means of mortise and tenon, dovetail, tongue and groove, dowels, etc.

Joint Stool A stool made with mortise and tenon joints (as opposed to a boarded and nailed stool). The most common piece of furniture in sixteenth and seventeenth century houses.

Jubako Japanese picnic box.

K

Kalaga Embroidered Burmese tapestries. Kalagas were originally developed in Burma (now Myanmar) at the Mandalay court (1850-1885) to serve as wall hangings, curtains, room partitions, coffin covers and theatre backdrops. These traditional Burmese tapestries depicted scenes from various legends as well as events of religious importance.

Kaolin Fine white granite clay used in hard-paste porcelain. (china clay)

Kiln Dried Lumber dried in a kiln to specified uniform moisture content.

Kindjal Dagger A Russian dagger used as both a side arm and fashion accessory, often decorated with niello inlay, gold gilt, silver, ivory or cloisonné. The kindjal's broad, double-edged blade was well suited as a close combat weapon.

Kingwood A Brazilian wood, also called violet wood from the color of its markings, used in fine cabinetwork. Given its name because it was preferred by the kings of France in the 18th century.

Kneehole desk Desk with a solid lower portion but with an opening for the knees of a person seated at it.

Knock Down Unassembled furniture that a consumer assembles after purchase; also known as RTA Furniture (Ready to Assemble).

Knot A hard cross grained piece in a board generally from a branch protrusion; may loosen over time and fall out of the board.

Koa Acacia koa; a hardwood endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Commonly used to construct furniture and musical instruments.

Kovsch A medieval drinking vessel modeled after a Viking boat, represents "the vessel of life" and was often used in formal ceremonies.

KPM Porcelain Few other mediums afford artists the expression of such luminous beauty than porcelain. The Paintings smooth, cool surface gives paintings an almost translucent quality, as though the light is reflected from within. KPM porcelain represents the crème de la crème of this art form and signed pieces are highly sought after and rare.

L

Lacquer Oriental varnish obtained from the sap of the lacquer tree. Gave a high-gloss finish to furniture in Europe in the 17th century. Mother-of-pearl, coral, and metals were often inlaid in the lacquer to create a decorative effect.

Ladderback A style of chair back with horizontal cross rails resembling a ladder.

Lalique A luminous, transparent glass introduced in the early 20th century by Rene Lalique of France. Most of his designs have a sculptural quality achieved by pressing and alternating a dull with a polished surface.

Laminate Composite material used on counter or table tops; provides a heat resistant, wipe clean surface. Lapis Lazuli Lapis lazuli was among the first gemstones to be worn as jewelry and worked on, and the Chinese have long held it in high regard. Its name is derived from the Roman word for stone and the Persian word for blue, and is the root of our word "azure." A denotation of luck, success and prosperity, lapis was a symbol of power, and thus was reserved only for the highest-ranking members of society. This enchanting stone was likened to the "road to heaven" for its resemblance to a star-filled sky, and was thus added to the grave goods of powerful persons. It was also ground to a powder and used in cosmetics.

Lavabo French term meaning "wash bowl".

Leather Made from tanning animal hides and used for upholstery.

Linen Press A cabinet with shelves or shallow drawers behind doors designed to store sheets, tablecloths, napkins, textiles and clothing.

Lingerie Chest Tall narrow chest designed to store women's undergarments.

Linke, Francois Francois Linke was the most celebrated and influential cabinet maker of his time. His work has long been admired for its exceptional quality and innovative interpretation of the Louis XV and Art Nouveau styles.

Lolling A chair with upholstered back and seat and open arms. An eighteenth or early nineteenth Chair (also century form. called Library Chair or Martha Washington Chair)

Loper A pullout arm or slide that provides support for a fall front desk or hinged table leaf. Louis XIV Known as the Sun King, he reigned in France between 1643 and 1715. Influenced the Baroque style in furniture during the earlier part of the reign which later developed into the Regence style. Mahogany and oak were widely used. Baroque was large, masculine, and symmetrical. Regence was characterized by its use of curves and introduction of Chinoiserie. Ornamentation was usually done with rocks, shells, and flowers.

Louis XV He reigned in France between 1715 and 1774. The style of furniture was essentially Rococo with soft, flowing lines, shell and flower ornamentation, rich upholstery, inlaying and painted furniture.

Louis XVI Reigned in France between 1774 and 1793. Characteristics of this style were rectangular lines, architectural ornamentation, classic symmetry, marquetry, and the predominant use of mahogany.

Loveseat A small version of a couch designed to seat two persons.

Low Dresser A dresser made without a plate rack.

Lowboy Chest of drawers mounted on short legs. Usually about three feet high.

Lustre A metallic, sometimes iridescent, form of decoration.

Lyre back Design commonly used by Duncan Phyfe on the backs of chairs. A representation of lyre figures carved from wood with brass wires used to represent the strings.

M

Mahogany Straight grained hard wood with silky texture, ranging in color from salmon-pink through bright red and when newly cut, changes to a golden or deep brown red.

Majolica A 19th century type of earthenware featuring colored lead glazes.

Malachite An opaque green mineral with very pronounced and often concentric banding. It's surface is hard enough to be polished and malachite has been used for beads, cabochons, decorative items and pietre dure.

Mallard, Born in Sevres, France, Prudent Mallard immigrated to America in 1829. After finding New Prudent York unsuitable, he travelled by steamship to New Orleans, where he set up shop on Royal Street, the city's most prestigious avenue, catering to the needs of a very wealthy clientele. Known for his palatial furnishings, Mallard is one of the most important Southern cabinet makers.

Mantel The projecting shelf surmounting a fireplace.

Maple Light reddish-brown wood with uniform texture. Grain is usually straight except when different veneers are used.

Marble A crystalline rock used on various surfaces of furniture such as table tops or desk tops.

Marks Porcelain and Pottery usually have signs of origin applied to the piece either in underglaze blue, impressed, incised, or painted above the glaze which generally indicate the manufacturer. Some pieces also contain marks denoting the artist and date of the piece.

Marquetry A flush pattern produced by inserting contrasting materials in a veneered surface. Rare, grained, and colored woods are usually used, but thin layers of tortoiseshell, ivory, mother-of- pearl, and metals are also seen. If the pattern is of a geometric nature, it is called parquetry.

Marrow A utensil with a long narrow scoop at both ends. Used for extracting marrow from bones. Scoop (or Spoon) MDF Medium Density Fiberboard; engineered wood panel made from wood fibers and adhesive exposed to heat and pressure.

Medallion A circular or oval frame having within it an ornamental motif.

Meeks, J. & J. The family-owned J. & J. W. Meeks company, based in New York with outlets in New Orleans W. and along the Atlantic coast, was a major competitor to John Henry Belter. Because they employed similar styles, much of Meeks’ outstanding work had long been mistakenly identified as Belter. Today, experts are correcting the confusion and the Meeks’ name is now synonymous with the superior quality of the Rococo Revival

Meissen Manufacturers of true porcelain whose wares remain unrivaled in terms of innovation and beauty. Meissen is the name of the small town in which alchemist Johann Friedrich Bottger was imprisoned by the King of Saxony where he remained for several years until 1710 when he finally discovered a formula for true (hard-paste) porcelain.

Meridienne Sofa with one arm higher than the other.

Millefiori A type of glassware in which multi-colored glass pieces are put in rosette or floral designs and embedded in clear glass. The word literally means "a thousand flowers" in Italian.

Minaudiere First crafted by the legendary firm of Van Cleef and Arpels, the Minaudiere gave fashionable women a convenient, yet sophisticated, way to carry their basic travel necessities. These lovely, ornamental cases carried cosmetics, jewelry or other personal items, varied in size and material and were often worn as handbags.

Mission Style American version of English Arts and Crafts which emphasizes simplicity.

Miter Joint A joint that forms a corner with both pieces usually cut at a 45 degree angle when forming a 90 degree corner.

Modular s. Interchangeable upholstered sectional seating units used to create different seating arrangement.

Molding Decorative strip covering transitions or used for ornamentation.

Monteith So named after a Scotsman named Monteigh whose cloak hem resembled the scalloped edge of the bowl, the monteith is a vessel used for the rinsing and cooling of wine glasses. The rim has notches that allow the stem of a wine glass to be suspended by its base so that the wine glass bowl can be submerged into ice-water. This allows the bowls to cool in the water while the base remains dry. Traditionally, when the monteith was introduced in the late 17th century,, diners did not have their own glass at the table. They would, rather, signal for a full glass to be brought by the server. Once the glass was empty, it would be collected by the server and rinsed and cooled in the monteith until the next guest called for a glass of wine.

Monteith A bowl used to cool drinking glasses in iced water. Its rim had notches into which stemmed glasses were slotted. Named after the seventeenth century Earl of Monteith, a court fop noted for the elaborately scalloped hems on his cloaks which the rim of the monteith resembled, the first British examples date to around 1680, while the first American one was made about 1700 by the Boston silversmith John Coney. Later monteiths were also made of porcelain and glass, sometimes with a removeable silver rim, in which case the bowl doubled as a punch bowl.

Morris Chair An early to mid 19th century version of a reclining chair with an adjustable back.

Mortise and Furniture joint utilizing a projection (tenon) on one piece of wood inserted into a cavity Tenon (mortise) on another to join the pieces together.

Mosaic A decorative technique in which square or rectangular pieces of stone, glass, ceramic tile (also known as tessare) are set in mortar in and artistic motif. Tiny mosaics are referred to as micromosaics.

Mote Spoon (or A spoon whose bowl is decoratively pierced. Used to skim off tea leafs. The handle is thin Skimmer) and tapers to a point, which was used to unclog the spout of a teapot.

Mother-of-pearl A term used to reference the hard, iridescent inner lining of certain mollusk shells such as oyster and mussel. Used as a decorative inlay in furniture and objets d'art.

Motion Mechanized furniture allowing for the adjustment of seating position such as a recliner or Furniture rocker.

Mount An ornamental attachment typically of gilt-bronze on high-quality porcelain.

Mule Chest A chest with lifting top and drawers below. A hybrid between a chest and chest of drawers, hence the name "mule." An English term.

N

Nanking Cargo In 1752 a large Dutch trading vessel, the Geldermalsen, sunk into the Atlantic Ocean carrying the largest single shipment of blue and white porcelain ever to leave China. 150,000 pieces of china from this ship were salvaged in 1985 by Captain Michael Hatcher and then sold during a four day sale at Christie's Amsterdam in 1986. The pieces in our collection were acquired from the original purchaser at that sale and are the only Nanking Cargo pieces that we know of on the market anywhere.

Necessaire Travel became a key pastime for the affluent beginning in the 18th century. Young gentlemen and women of high social standing often traveled throughout the Continent in an extended, educational tour known as their Grand Tour. These lengthy journeys required a convenient means of transporting the personal belongings, or necessities, of daily life. Often constructed of luxurious materials such as silver, gold, mother of pearl, crystal, fine woods and leathers, these necessaries de voyage became highly personalized symbols of wealth and taste, carrying everything from toiletries and jewelry to sewing and writing instruments.

Nef The nef, developed during the Middle Ages, is a vessel in the form of a ship that was used at the dining table. Its earliest known use, recorded in 12th century France, was most likely as a drinking vessel and was made of materials other than silver. By the 15th century, the nef was used as a receptacle for salt, goblets, napkins, eating utensils, and meat. By the 16th century, it evolved into an elaborate table ornament, from the form of simple boats to fully and accurately rigged ships often peopled with tiny figures. Nefs were often paraded at feasts in the courts of Europe and given as presents to royalty and aristocracy.

Neo-classic Refers to the second revival of classic design for interior decoration in the 18th century.

Nephrite Often called greenstone, nephrite is a creamy greenish colored mineral often used by Faberge.

Nesting Tables Multiple tables graduating in height allowing one to be stored under another; usually in sets of three.

Niello A black inlay in a metal surface, typically silver, copper and lead. Developed in ancient Roman times the technique resurged up until the Renaissance in Western Europe and is still common in Eastern Europe, Russia and the Middle East.

Night Stand A low bedside table or small cabinet for use next to a bed.

Nukane A man made cane manufactured from durable wood pulp based material. Used in place of natural cane.

O

Oak Wood varies from light tan to deep leathery brown with black spots. Variations due to differences in climate and soil.

Obelisk Tall, square stone monumental shaft with pyramidal top used in ancient Egypt. The form, on a small scale in alabaster, is used as a decorative ornament in Directoire, Empire, and contemporary interiors.

Occasional Generally refers to small tables such as an end table, coffee table, console or side table. Tables Ogee A double curve or S shaped molding or edge detail.

Old Paris A generic term used to describe the products of numerous factories and decorating (Veaux Paris) establishments in around Paris from 1780-1840. Paris blossomed as a center of excellence after the French Revolution and porcelain factories began to mulitply. Unfortunately, due to intense competition, smaller factories left many of their pieces unmarked. Typically, Old Paris porcelain is a combination of Greek, Roman and Egyptian influences accented with bright colors and gilding.

OneDrawer A small fourlegged table with a drawer. A late eighteenth and nineteenthcentury form. Stand Orchestral Introduced in the 1870s, the orchestral music box revolutionized the industry. The addition of Music Box an organ to the drums, bells and castanets provided a new level of sound production and served to invigorate the industry even though their production was very costly and they were generally only available to the very affluent. The more elaborate examples allowed the listener to customize the sound of the music box by turning off one or many of the added instruments.

Ormolu Derived from French for ground gold, the term refers to gilded bronze or brass mounts.

Ottoman A low, upholstered seat without backs or arms. Sometimes used as a foot-rest.

Outdoor Furniture designed specifically for outdoor use. Furniture Overglaze Decoration applied to a piece of pottery or porcelain after it has been glazed.

Ovolo Convex molding referred to a quarterround molding.

Oysterwood Oyster veneering, a technique indicative of the William and Mary period, was achieved by transversely cutting or slicing the smaller branches of certain trees such as walnut or olive. These small, rounded veneers, with their circular striations, resembled the inside of an oyster, and when pieced together, produced a most dramatic and impressive decorative effect.

P

Pad Foot Rounded foot with a thin circular base found on cabriole legs.

Pagoda In China and Japan, a tower, usually having several stories, built in connection with a temple or monastery.

Palette The group of colors used in a particular style or by a particular factory or decorator.

Paraiba The Paraiba tourmaline was first discovered in Brazil in 1989 and stands today as one of the Tourmaline world’s rarest and most vibrant gemstones. Characterized by an electric-blue color, the finest examples have the distinction of having the incredibly rare “neon“coloration. Paraiba tourmalines are now found in two places in the world: Brazil and Africa. The gems of Brazil possess the greatest fire and brilliance while the African variety tends to be more green and muted. The gems owe their unique coloring to the presence of copper in the stone. Due to the specific mineral composition of the stones found in the Brazilian mine, nature has created a gemstone that stands out among all others, and is considered even rarer than diamonds.

Parquetry Inlay of geometric design, used for decorative flooring.

Particle Board Engineered wood product manufactured by bonding small wood particles with an adhesive and pressed into sheets.

Partner's desk Desk large enough to seat two people facing each other which working drawers on both sides.

Paste The composite material from which porcelain is made.

Pastiglia A technique used to decorate small gilded items made from a white powder derived from lead. Often used during the Italian Renaissance for decorating tiny caskets, it was much too fragile for use on larger items.

Pastille burners Popular from 1820-1850, pastille burners were containers often in the form of cottages, churches, or summer houses, with detachable lids for burning cassolette perfumes (incense).

Pate-sur-pate A type of 19th century porcelain featuring low-relief designs carved in slip and applied to a contrasting body.

Patina Term used to designate a mellow sheen formed on the surface of furniture, due to wear, age, exposure, and hand-rubbing. Also a film usually greenish, formed on copper or bronze after long exposure.

Patination The change of color of a metal surface due to a chemical reaction between the metal and its environment. A patina can be created naturally or artificially.

Pedestal Tall, narrow base which supports a statue, lamp, vase or any decorative object. Usually treated with moldings at the top and a base block on the bottom. Without moldings it is called a plinth.

Pedestal Desk A desk with the top supported by two pedestals or small cabinets with drawers.

Pedestal Table A table featuring a central pedestal or column support instead of legs.

Pediment Broad triangular or curved space above a portico, doorway, window or cabinet. Can have segmental, scroll, and broken forms.

Pembroke A small table with two drop leaves on its long side and a drawer. Named for the Countess of Table Pembroke who ordered the first one made.

Period Refers to a piece made at the time when its style first originated.

Petit, Jacob Jacob Petit owned one of the most important and well-known porcelain factories in France. He rose from humble beginnings to become a major producer of Rococo ornamental ware in the 1830s. Jacob Petit's highly decorative porcelain was enormously popular in both England and France. His heavily molded and somewhat eccentric style has proven to be well-made and designed to endure the test of time. Petit's peices are normally clearly marked with the letters J.P. in underglaze blue.

Pewter Alloy of tin and lead which has a dull gray appearance and is used for the making of tableware and ornaments. Originally it was intended as a substitute for silver but its value diminished in the 17th century with the advent of chinaware for everyday use.

Phyfe, Duncan America's most famous cabinetmaker 1768-1854. His work was greatly influenced by Sheraton, Dreictoire, and Empire design. He used mostly mahogany with finely carved ornaments. Known for federal design.

Pie-crust table A small, round table having a top with its edge carved or molded in scallops. Common in 18th-century English furniture.

Pier glass Tall, narrow framed mirror originally placed between two windows to enhance light coming into a room. Often an accompaniment to a low table or consol.

Pierced work Decorative technique used on precious and non-precious metals, created by perforating the metal sheet. Some extraordinary pierced work was achieved by the noteworthy Goldsmiths and Silversmiths of London during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Pietre dure An Italian phrase which means "hard stones," pietre dure is often used to describe sculptural or decorative use of hard stones. This technique was used to decorate furniture, cameos, vases and decorative panels.

Pilaster Architectural term for a flattened column attached to a facade for decoration rather than structural support.

Pine Wood that is uniform in texture but sometimes strongly marked with annual rings. It dries easily and does not shrink or swell greatly with changes in moisture content.

Plinth The squared base or pedestal that supports a cabinet or piece of furniture instead of legs.

Plywood Manufactured wood made from a series of alternating layers of wood veneer with the grain perpendicular to each other for strength.

Polychrome Decoration using three or more colors.

Poplar Softwood from the Birch family often used as a secondary wood in furniture construction.

Porcelain Translucent white ceramic body made from kaolin and petuntse (hard-paste) or another ingredient that induces translucency (soft-paste) fired at high temperatures.

Porphyry Rock substance composed of crystals of quartz, used during the reign of Louis XIV for table tops.

Pottery Generic term for all ceramic wares except for porcelain.

Press A fully enclosed cupboard used for domestic storage from the 16th century onwards. Cupboard Provincial Peasant-like and naive in style.

Putti A young boy, commonly seen in Italian painting and sculpture.

Q

Quarter Sawn Wood cut from a log which has been quartered lengthwise sometimes exposing distinctive grain patterns such as tiger striped oak.

Queen Anne The style period from 17001730. Characterized by the introduction of the cabriole leg and sinuous curves. The English Queen Anne period was earlier and shorter than the American period of the same name.

Queen's Ware Cream-colored earthenware improved and marketed by Josiah Wedgwood from 1765. It was named Queen's ware in honor of Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III.

R

Rat A tapering ridge found on a spoon, running from the base of the handle to the midpoint on the Tail (Spoon) back of the bowl. Serves as reinforcement and decoration. Spoons featured rat tails from c 16701720 and were made in silver and pewter.

Rattan The stem of a vine like climbing palm used in the manufacture of wicker and rattan furniture.

Recamier A long chair designed for relaxing and semi-reclining, usually upholstered. Adapted from the French 18th-century style, it is also called a chaise lounge.

Reeding Carved parallel convex or beaded lines used on bed posts, table and chair legs.

Refectory A long narrow table made in the seventeenth century. The earliest form of dining table. Table Regence Transitional period in French furniture design between Louis XIV and the Rococo style French developed by Louis XV. Named for the time frome in France from 1715-1728 when Philip, Duke of Orleans, reigned. Characteristics are graceful curves, the cabriole leg, and ornamentation copied from nature rather than mythology. Bright veneers of rosewood and satinwood were widely used.

Regency Period of severe neoclassicism from 1810-1820 influenced by the French Empire. English Relief Forms of molded, carved or stamped decoration raised from the surface of a piece of furniture forming a pattern.

Renaissance Revival of interest in classical design, beginning in Italy during the 14th century and continuing to spread throughout Europe until the 17th century. Design is simple in structure with a generous use of classical ornament, such as the acanthus leaf, animal forms, and pilasters.

Repousse A decorative technique in which sheet metal is punched and hammered from the back, usually followed by chasing from the front as a finishing touch. Another word for repousse is embossing.

Reproduction A replica of an original piece.

Rock Crystal Discovered thousands of years ago, rock crystal, or natural quartz, has been cherished for its natural beauty and remarkable ability to refract light. When cut and polished, the inherent striations and inclusions of the crystal create a reflection of light far more brilliant than manmade crystal or glass. The scarcity of this crystallized quartz, however, limited its use and for thousands of years glass makers have sought to imitate its luminous qualities. During the 18th and 19th centuries, rock crystal was one of the most precious and expensive materials used in the decorative arts.

Rococo Period in French design originating in the 18th century following the Baroque era. An asymmetrical motif, it was often overly ornamental. The name is derived from the French words rocaille (rock) and coquille (shell), which are prominent rococo decorative elements.

Rosewood Prized for its exotic and beautifully figured appearance, rosewood was a favorite among upscale cabinet makers of the 18th and 19th centuries. Unlike more common woods, rosewood is exceptionally dense, rich in color and very receptive to a high polish. Hailing from tropical forests of India and Brazil, rosewood got its name not from its appearance, but from the aroma of the freshly cut trees. Neo-classical furniture makers like Thomas Chippendale preferred rosewood to any other variety for his incredible furnishings. Brazilian rosewood was the preferred choice of 19th-century furniture makers as well. Today, rosewood pieces are highly sought after by antique connoisseurs.

Rosso Antico The name given by Wedgwood to his red stoneware.

Roux, Alexander Roux emigrated from France to New York and opened his first shop in 1837. He Alexander used his Parisian background and training to his advantage, imparting his designs with a decidedly French flair. By 1855, Roux employed 120 workers, reaching the peak of his success in the 1870s with more than a half million dollars in annual sales. Roux’s genius lay in his ability to excel in the creation of the popular styles without sacrificing quality or the spirit of innovation.

RTA (Ready to Assemble) Finished furniture items which require assembly by the consumer.

Rule Joint A joint used between a table top and drop leaf which leaves no open space between the top and leaf when open.

Runners Strips of wood on which drawers slide.

Rush Seat A woven chair seat using twisted stems of marsh grass known as rush.

S

Saddle Arm Chair or sofa arm style which looks like a saddle profile.

Salon set Complete set of matched furniture for a specific room. Also called a suite.

Salt Spoon A small (23") spoon, usually with a round, ladle shaped bowl, used with a salt cellar.

Samovar An urn with a spigot at its base used especially in Russia to boil water for tea.

Sarcophagus A rectangular, coffin-shaped box tapering to a smaller size at the bottom. Can be used as a cellaret or tea caddy.

Satinwood Pale in color and silky in appearance, satinwood became increasingly popular in Britain during the 1770s, replacing mahogany as the wood of choice for smaller pieces of furniture. A brilliant yellow wood with a high luster, stain wood often has a rippled or quilted feature from which its name is derived. Typically, satinwood is used as a veneer and it remained popular in England throughout the late 18th and 19th centuries.

Sauce Ladle A small version of a soup ladle (about 7" long), using for serving sauce at the table.

Scallop shell A semi-circular shell with ridges radiating from a point at the bottom. This ornamental motif was common in furniture design during the Queen Anne and Georgian periods in England and America. It was also extensively used in the early Spanish Renaissance.

Sconce A bracketed wall-light comprising a decorative back plate and candleholders. Very fashionable from the late 17th century. Rococo versions are often called girandoles.

ScotchGuard Trade name for a product to protect fabric from staining.

Scrimshaw A folk art dating from the 17th century in which whale teeth, whale bones and walrus tusks are engraved or lightly carved with a picture or design.

Scroll pediment Broken pediment with each half shaped in the form of a reverse curve, and ending in an ornamental scroll. Usually a finial is placed in the center between the two halves.

Seat Rail Horizontal support directly under the seat connecting the front legs with the back of a chair.

Secretaire French term for a free standing writing desk with a drop down writing surface with shelves or drawers below; may also have a bookcase above.

Secretary desk An 18th-century tall piece of furniture with drawers at the bottom, a bookcase on top, and a desk with a drop-lid in the center.

Sectional Modular seating units used in various combinations.

Semainier A narrow but tall chest of drawers with seven drawers; one for each day of the week.

Serpentine Front Horizontal compound curve used on the front of case pieces or drawers where there is a center convex section between two concave sections.

Serpentine Winding and curving design often used in furniture legs or on the front of cabinets or desk. curve Serving Spoon A long spoon (approx. 9" long) used for serving food at the table.

Serving A narrow table used in the dining room for the service of food. Table (also called Server) Settle A bench seat with a tall, solid back used from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries to ward off drafts. Often used by a hearth.

Sewing A small table, usually of high quality. Fitted with drawers and/or a sliding bag to hold material Table (also and needlework tools. called Work Table)

Shagreen Leather created from various species of sharks, rays and dogfish, particularly the stingray. This nodule-laden leather was commonly used during the 18th and 19th centuries to add decorative features to items such as jewelry boxes, needle cases, sword handles and opera glasses.

Shellac A natural resin refined and dissolved in alcohol and used as a wood finish or sealer.

Sheraton The style period from 17901805. His book The Cabinetmaker's and Upholsterer's Drawing Book, published in four parts from 179194, established the style that came to be known as Federal in America.

Sheraton, Sheraton 1750-1806, an English cabinetmaker who name has been given to a school of Thomas design in English furniture. Using mahogany as his dominant wood, he followed the classic, simple design in the wake of Adam and Hepplewhite.

Shield back A chair back fashioned in the shape of a shield. Common in Hepplewhite designs.

Side Chair A traditional dining chair without arms used at the sides of a dining table.

Sideboard A dining room piece designed to store linens and equipment and for the service of food. Originated in the late eighteenth century. Used in the dining area for serving food or the storage of silverware and dishes.

Slat Back The back of a chair which utilizes vertical slats for the back rest.

Sleeper Sofa A sofa with a pull out mechanism converting the sofa into a bed.

Sleigh Bed Bed with curved head and footboards resembling a sleigh. An Empire period design, showing the French influence whose popularity at the time reflected the belief that the French Revolution and the American Revolution were twins.

Smith, Benjamin Smith. Benjamin Smith's (1764-1823) extraordinary genius garnered him accolades Benjamin from his contemporaries and established him as one of history's most important and respected silversmiths. He, along with other master smiths like Paul Storr and Matthew Boulton, were most influential in elevating the silver art form during the period. Boulton was so impressed with Smith's talent; he entered into a partnership with him. Later, Smith found himself in the same circles as the legendary Paul Storr, and his talent soon gained the attention of the Royal Family. Indeed by 1803, just a year after arriving in London, Smith's work had found its way into the Royal Household and his distinctive style put him in the same stellar league as Storr and Boulton, a most exclusive group. Examples bearing the hallmark of Benjamin Smith are especially rare and sought after among collectors who recognize the superior technical and artistic merit of his work.

Snooker Played chiefly in Britain, Snooker is a version of the game of pool with a cue ball, 15 red balls, and 6 balls of other colors on a table that has 6 pockets.

Snuff Spoon The smallest spoon of all (2" long), with a narrow bowl, used for extracting snuff from bottles.

Sofa Table A long narrow table with small drop leaves on the short ends designed to stand in front of a sofa but now usually put behind one.

Sofa Also known as a couch; an upholstered long seat with back and arms.

Soft-paste Porcelain compounded mostly of white clay mixed with a glassy substance. Porcelain

Softwood Wood or lumber from conifers or evergreen trees such as pine or fir.

Solid Wood Generally refers to furniture that is constructed using solid wood and does not include the use of engineered wood products.

Solon, Marc Marc Louis Solon is the most renowned pate-sur-pate artist. Solon was forced to leave the Louis Sevres porcelain factory in France and move to England due to the onslaught of the Franco- Prussian war. In 1870 Solon began a long and prosperous relationship with the Minton porcelain factory in Stoke-On-Trent, becoming the premier pate-sur-pateartist.

Soup Ladle A long handled, large bowled utensil with an arched handle. Used to serve soup at the table. About 12" long.

Spindle Back A chair back consisting of multiple turnings or spindles stretching between the seat and top rail.

Spinel Gemstone which occurs in a variety of colors including deep reds, blues and greens. Significant sources of spinel’s include Burma, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Kenya, Pakistan and Vietnam.

Splat Central flat support between a chair's seat and the top-rail.

Sprigged ware Ceramics which have ornamental decoration applied to its surface. A sprig mold is used to produce a relief decoration with a flat back in order for it to be scored and slipped ("sprigged") for application. Wedgwood jasper ware features sprigged decoration.

Staffordshire Pottery made in Staffordshire County, England. Provincial in shape ornamentation and pottery coloring. The better grades are usually known by the individual names of their markers.

Steam Bent Wood for furniture components that are bent using steam such as a chair back.

Sterling A term used in connection with silverware, indicating that the silver is 92.5 percent pure.

Stoneware A hybrid of earthenware and porcelain made of clay and a fusible substance, such as sand or flint. It is not porous after firing.

Storr, Paul Paul Storr (1771-1844) - The most celebrated and prolific silversmith of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Storr captured the attention of the world's aristocracy particularly the Prince of Wales, the future King George IV. His works graced palaces and mansions all over Europe.

Strainer Spoon A large spoon with a vertical strainer in the middle of the bowl, used for serving soups or stews.

Stretcher Strengthening or stabilizing rail which runs horizontal between furniture legs, often forming X, H, or Y shapes.

Stretchers The horizontal braces which connect and reinforce the vertical elements together such as chair or table legs.

Student lamp Desk lamp of metal, usually brass, having a tubular shaft and either one or two arms. Shades are of opaque glass usually in dark green or white.

Stuffing (or A long handled spoon (12" or more). Basting) Spoon

Style Period Refers to the forms fashionable in a particular period, usually identified by the monarch (e.g., Georgian) or designer (e.g., Chippendale).

Style Usually refers to a piece made in the manner of a previous period.

Swatch A sample of upholstery fabric.

Swing Leg A drop leaf table without stretchers whose leaves are supported by legs that swing out from Table the frame only.

Swivel Rocker A rocking chair that also revolves.

T

Tall Chest A one part case piece with five, six or seven layers of drawers.

Tallboy Called a chest-on-chest until the 18th century, this high chest-of-drawers has more drawers below than on top.

Tambour Flexible sliding doors or pull down front for a roll top desk; constructed from narrow pieces of wood glued to a fabric such as canvas.

Tantalus The Tantalus is a cellarette with decanters tucked inside, their contents visible but not obtainable without a key. The name derived from the Greek myth of Tantalos, son of Zeus and King of Lydia. Tantalos was admitted to the society of the gods, but his abominable behavior aroused their anger leading Zeus to condemn him to suffer eternally in Tartarus. As punishment, Tantalos was forced to stand neck-deep in water, which receded from him when he would attempt to drink. Over his head hung the bough of a fruit tree that the wind wafted away whenever he tried to grasp them. It is from his name that the word tantalize also originated.

Tapestry Fabric with a woven pattern or decorative pictorial design.

Taster A small bowl, with one or two handles, made of silver or pewter, and used for tasting wine, beer, or other whiskey. They were sometimes hung on a cord round the neck of the cellar master as he moved round the cellar sampling his maturing stock. What a job!

Tavern A small general purpose country table often found in a tavern. Table (also called Tap Table)

Tea bowl A small Oriental cup without a handle, also made widely in Europe (with a saucer) in the 18th century.

Tea caddy A decorative box created for storing tea leaves, many with two compartments one for black tea and the other for green tea. Some of the finest tea caddies created in England was crafted of exotic woods, adorned with tortoise shell, ivory and mother-of-pearl.

Tea Table A small table from which to serve tea. Often circular with a tilting top on tripod base but earlier ones were rectangular with four legs.

Teak Tropical hardwood popular for ship building and outdoor furniture construction. Teakwood Wood from Burma, Java, the East Indies, Siam, French Indochina, and has been planted successfully in the Philippines. A strong, tough wood, it ranges in color from light tawny yellow to dark brown. Slightly oily.

Teaspoon A small spoon used for stirring tea. Usually made in sets of six or more. The earliest teaspoons were made c 1700 and are rare; Georgian and Victorian ones are readily available.

Tempered Glass treated with heat during manufacture which breaks into pebble like pieces instead of Glass shards or slivers often used for glass table tops.

Tenon A projection at the end of a piece of wood which fits into a mortise to join the pieces together.

Tester The canopy over a four-poster bed, originally of wood, but, by the 18th century, of fabric.

Tiffany's One of the most popular designs created by Tiffany and Co.'s Charles T. Grosjean in 1880. Chrysanthemu Though it was the most expensive pattern to produce for tea services and flatware, it soon m became the most highly prized and luxurious of all Tiffany patterns.

Tin glaze An opaque white glaze containing tin oxide used on faience, delftwares and majolica.

Toby Jug An 18th or 19th century jug representing a seated Englishman with three-cornered hat and mug of ale.

Toddy Ladle A small ladle, sometimes with a long handle, sometimes with a pouring lip, used for serving hot toddy. Sometimes from shells, sometimes with a coin set into the bottom of the bowl, sometimes with turned wooden handles or baleen (whalebone).

Toddy table An eighteenth century name, now fallen into disuse, for a side table for holding drinks. Its alliterative aptness makes it a term worth reviving. The interior design guru David Hicks advises readers of Antique Interiors International that drinks should always be served on a marble or stone topped table and never from a cocktail cabinet, which he disdains as suitable only for the outer reaches of suburbia.

Tortoiseshell Often used as an inlay or a decorative overlay on wood surfaces, tortoiseshell is a mottled, nutty brown shell material with a spotted, striped, or sometimes even speckled pattern.

Transfer Before the development of transfer printing in the 1750s, all china was decorated by hand. printing Transfer printing enabled decoration to be industrialized, though semiskilled handwork was still involved. A copper engraving was inked with metallic inks, and the design transferred to the piece by a sheet of tissue paper. Firing fixed the design to the chinaware and simultaneously burned off the paper. Transfer printing was an easy process on flatware, such as plates and chargers, but on hollowware it was impossible to fit the transfers exactly, and the edges of the sheets can always be seen.

Trefid (or Trifid) A spoon with a flat stem that widens at the top and has two notches on the finial that make it Spoon a three lobed shape. The bowl is oval with a rattail. Trefid spoons were made from c 16701700 of silver and pewter.

Trestle Table Table supported by uprights at the ends with a stretcher between them.

Trim A decorative molding used on case goods.

Trundle Bed (or A low bed on wheels that was kept under a large bed and trundled out at night for use, Truckle Bed) probably by a child.

Tudor The style period from 14851600 in England. A small number of chests, cupboards, and chairs are all that have survived from this era. King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I are the best known Tudor monarchs.

Tunbridge Ware Tunbridge Ware refers to a form of intricately inlaid wood decoration made famous in the town of Tunbridge Wells in Kent, England. Though it originated hundreds of years earlier, the form became popular in the 19th century as tourists flocked to this Spa town and sought souvenirs to bring home with them. Characterized by skillful wood mosaics crafted from small pieces of colored woods and arranged to create pictorial scenes or decorative patterns, most Tunbridge Wares took the form of small boxes or containers, though many fine pieces of furniture were also crafted for wealthy clientele. The young Princess Victoria was a frequent visitor to Tunbridge Wells and often purchased Tunbridge Wares as gifts for her family.

Tweed A medium to heavy woolen fabric which may feature a design such as herringbone or hound’s-tooth.

Twill A fabric woven with a diagonal pattern or ribs.

U

Underglaze Decoration or mark applied to a ceramic ware underneath a transparent glaze.

Unfinished Furniture that has not been stained, painted or had a finish applied to it.

Upholstery The covering including padding, springs, webbing, foam and fabric on furniture. Urn Stand A small stand designed to hold a hot water urn for brewing tea, usually with splayed legs for stability.

V

Vacuum Press Use to apply pressure when veneering or gluing together uneven or odd shaped furniture parts.

Varnish A solvent based transparent film finish used to coat furniture.

Veilleuse Derived from the French word veiller (to keep a night vigil), veilleuse initially referred to any night lamp. Eventually the word became used for any food or drink warmer intended for bedside use. Also referred to as tisaniere.

Veneer A thin slice or slices of decorative or exotic wood glued to an inferior wood to create panels, doors and cabinet sides.

W

Wainscot Chair An impressive armchair, usually profusely carved with crest and ears, named after wainscot oak, which was often imported from Denmark for paneling. A sixteenth and seventeenth century form revived in the nineteenth century.

Walnut A medium to dark hardwood used for furniture construction and veneering.

Washstand A small stand designed to hold a wash basin, a pitcher or bottle of water, and beakers.

Webbing Strips of elastic or woven fabric used to provide support for upholstered arms, backs and seats.

Wedding Cup German Jungfrauenbecher meaning "maiden's cup." The wedding cup originated in Germany during the 16th century, but only a few examples survive from that early time and is now often referred to as the wedding cup for the role it plays in nuptial feasts. The bridegroom drinks a toast out of the larger cup and then rights the figure, without spilling the wine in the smaller pivoted bowl, which is then to be drunk by the bride. The Jungfrauenbecher has also been known as the "wager cup" - the challenged having to drink from both cups without spilling the contents of either.

Wedgwood & In 1768 Josiah Wedgwood partnered with Thomas Bentley establishing a factory named Bentley 'Etruria' for making ornamental wares.

Wedgwood Daisy Maekig-Jones’ arrival at the Wedgwood factory came at a most opportune moment in Fairyland that company’s illustrious history. For centuries, Wedgwood had been a leader in innovation Lustre and design, but by the early 20th century, they teetered on the brink of financial ruin. The public had tired of the classic motifs and muted colors of traditional Wedgwood, instead seeking something more vibrant and uplifting, no doubt to distract them from the hardships brought on by the First World War. When Maekig-Jones’ introduced her dazzling designs and cutting-edge glazing techniques in 1915, it proved to be the perfect antidote for the ailing Wedgwood factory. Her fantastical fairies and enchanted forests filled with butterflies, dragons and playful pixies captivated the public and led many to believe she was delightfully and brilliantly mad. Maekig-Jones‘ Fairyland Lustre line single-handedly pulled Wedgwood back to profitability. Maekig-Jones retired in 1931, leaving behind an amazing body of work that continues to enchant and entice collectors today.

Wicker Term given to furnishings woven from willow, reed and rattan.

William & Mary The style period at the end of the seventeenth century (16801700) referring to the reign of William of Orange and Queen Mary, who brought Dutch and Continental tastes to England.

Windsor Chair A chair with a solid seat into which the legs and members of the back (spindles) are wedged. An eighteenth and nineteenth century form.

Wine Coaster Originally, in the eighteenth century, a small wagon on wheels used for circulating wine around a large dining table. Often a coaster would be fitted with decanters for port, claret, and madeira. Coasters were made of silver or mahogany and later were made to slide on baize rather than roll on wheels. It is this form that evolved into the modern coaster.

Wine A floor standing box lined with lead in which to keep white wine in ice water. Cooler (also called Cistern) Wine Funnel A small funnel made from silver or plate used for decanting wine. It had a filter at the top to catch any lees, and its spout was angled at the bottom to send the wine down the glass side of the decanter so that its color could be checked.

Wine Small shield shaped labels hung on fine silver chains around the necks of decanters to Labels (also identify their contents. Common from about 1775 until the end of the Victorian period and still called Spirit reproduced, the labels most frequently found are Port, Madeira, Sherry, Whiskey, Gin, and Labels) Rum.

Wine Stand A small, low stand, usually on a tripod base.

Wing Back High back upholstered chair with wing like protrusions extending above the arms from the sides near the top of the chair.

XYZ

Zebrawood An orange to dark brown wood with variegated stripes and a straight, fine grain. Used for high-quality veneers and available only in small quantities.

Zigzag Spring A sinuous or S shaped upholstery spring used in chair, ottoman and sofa seats and backrests.