Glossary of Antique Terms
Page 2
Half-tester bed Bed with a
canopy that projects over only half the bed.
Hall chair
An armless chair with tall back and wooden seat. Sometimes the seat is
hinged, lifting to reveal a small compartment underneath.
Hall stand
A tall stand fitted with a mirror, pegs or hooks for hanging hats and
scarves, umbrella holders, and sometimes a small drawer for gloves.
Lady’s chair
A chair with low seat and small brackets at the sides, made for the lady
of the Victorian household.
Library table
A writing table made for a library.
Marquetry
A veneer composed of various shapes of wood in contrasting colors that
form a pictorial design.
Nickel silver
A silver-white alloy composed of copper, nickel and zinc.
Ormolu
A bronze mount with gilding.
Overglaze
enamel Describes a colored enamel applied over a clear glaze.
Overlay glass
Glass made in two or more layers of contrasting colors that are cut
through to expose the under layers.
Overmantel mirror
A mirror made to stand over a mantelpiece.
Parian
An unglazed porcelain with a marble like texture. Similar to biscuit, or
bisque, porcelain.
Parquetry
A veneer forming a geometric pattern, achieved by arranging the wood so
that the grain runs in various directions.
Pattern glass
Alternative term for pressed glass.
Pier mirror
A mirror made to hang on a wall between
two windows.
Pier table
A table made to stand against a wall between two windows.
Pilaster
A flat column.
Pressed glass
Glass whose shape and decoration are formed in a mold.
Quadruple plate
Four layers of plating on silverplated wares.
Repoussé
High-relief (raised) decoration on silver.
Reticulated
Repeating pattern of small shaped openings in a ceramic body.
Rocaille
A motif associated with the Rococo Revival style, typically shell-like
with a scalloped edge and ribbed surface, sometimes pierced with
openings.
Rockingham ware
Pottery covered with a streaky brown glaze.
Settee
A small sofa.
Side chair
A chair without arms.
Sideboard
A large cabinet made for the dining room. Usually fitted with drawers,
cupboard doors, and a large back panel with small shelves above a marble
top.
Sterling silver
Silver that is 925 to 1000 parts (92.5%) silver.
Strapwork
A decorative motif imitating flat,
scrolling bands of leather.
Swag
A piece of fabric suspended from two points, falling in folds and
forming tails at both sides.
Term
A support that is part architectural and
part human or animal, consisting of a pedestal combined with the torso
and head of a man, woman or animal.
Transfer ware
White earthenware with a design printed in blue, black, red, or purple.
Triple plate
Three layers of plating on silverplated wares.
Underglaze enamel
Describes a colored enamel applied under
the glaze, painted directly onto the porcelain body after the first
firing.
Wardrobe
A cupboard for storing clothes, usually
fitted with two doors, sometimes with drawers at the base.
Washstand
A stand made to hold a water pitcher,
basin, soap dish, and other objects used for washing. Usually made with
a backsplash and sometimes with a cabinet under the top.
What not
Alternative term for an étagère.
White metal
An alternative term for Britannia metal.
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