Antique Definitions Q-Z

A stylized decoration with four lobes or leaves

Quillwork:

Designs made by scrolled paper filigree, usually with gilt edges and incorporating other ornamental materials.

Raising:

A process of making a hollow ware by hammering a flat metal sheet on a series of anvils.

Rat-Tail:

An ornamental reinforcement, resembling a tail, on the underside of the bowl of a spoon.

Rat-Tail Hinge:

A type of hinge with a tapered, curved extension running downward, usually with a cutout decoration at the end.

Reeding:

Parallel, semicircular molding which protrudes from the surface.

Relief:

Decoration that is above the surface.

Repousse:

Designs in metal that are raised by hammering from the back.

Ribband Back:

A type of chair back of the Chippendale period characterized by a series of horizontal, interlaced elements connecting the stiles.

Rococo:

A style of art and decoration developed in the 18th century France, characterized by designs curvilinear in form and imitative of shell worked, scrolls and foliage asymmetrically arranged.

Runcible Spoon:

A fork with two broad tines and one with a curved, sharp edge. Also known as a Ice Cream fork.

Rustication:

Ornamentally roughened surfaces and recessed joints in stone work.

Saddle Seat:

A wooden chair seat shaped like a saddle, common to Windsor chairs.

Salt Glaze:

A hard, rough, transparent glaze produced by introducing rock salt to the kiln during the firing of earthenware or stoneware.

Salver:

A silver tray form without handles, often on feet.

Sand Cast:

to make an object by pouring metal into a mold formed in sand.

Sconce:

A wall bracket fitted with one or more candlesticks.

Scottish Pebble Jewelry:

Popular in 19th century which is made of native agate, most often silver.

Scroll:

A spiral or rolled decoration.

Scroll Pediment:

A pediment formed by interrupting confronting cyma curves; also called a broken-scroll.

Sgraffito:

The design on pottery made by cutting through the outer glaze to expose the color of the base clay.

Slipper Chair:

A high-back chair with short legs, usually upholstered, and without arms.

Slipper Foot:

A slim elongated, pointed foot on furniture legs.

Sheffield Plate:

this sheets of silver fused over copper, dating from the mid 19th century

Snake Foot:

A foot shaped like a head of snake on furniture legs.

Spanish Foot:

A scroll foot with vertical ribs following the curve of the scroll, usually found on furniture in the William and Mary period.

Spelter:

an inexpensive alloy of zinc, lead, and tin that is silver or blue-white in color.

Splat:

The upright, center support in a chair.

Spoon Back:

Chair back curved to accommodate the contours of a human back.

Squab:

A removable cushion for a seat.

S-Scroll

A scroll in the form of the letter S. Also called a Flemish Scroll.

Sterling:

established standard by English law. Customarily indicated by a stamping on silver articles. Indicates the relative purity of the item. contains no less tan 925 parts silver in 1,000 parts of metal.

Stoneware:

A form of hard, nonporous pottery made of clay fired at a high temperatures; often salt glazed.

Strapwork:

Decorative, flat interlaced bands applied or carved on a surface.

Stump Leg:

A plain, square rear leg with a slight backward curve.

Sunflower:

Floral motif found on a early chests carved in Connecticut.

Tall Case Clock:

A clock incorporated within a tall, standing case to protect the works and accommodate the pendulum. May also be called a long case clock or grandfather clock.

Tankard:

A large drinking vessel with handle and hinged lid.

Tavern Table:

A rectangular low table, used in public meeting houses, with a sturdy framework and turned legs and stretchers.

Tester:

The canopy of a high-post bed, made of wood or fabric.

Tinplate:

Thin sheets of steel coated with tin, commonly used for toys and household articles.

Tintype:

A photo on a tin backing.

Tole:

Painted tin ware.

Touchstone:

A stone used to test the purity of gold and silver by the mark left on it when rubbed by the metal.

Tourbillon:

A watch movement in the which the escapement is mounted on a revolving carriage invented in 1801.

Town Mark:

A hallmark representing the town of origin of a piece of silver.

Trammel:

A pothook, adjusted by ratchets, to be hung from a crane in a fireplace; also a similar device for raising and lowering lamps.

Treen:

Small objects made of wood.

Trefoil:

A stylized decoration with three lobes or leaves.

Trifid Foot:

A three-toed foot; sometimes known as a drake foot.

Trundle Bed:

A low, rolling bed, usually for a child, designed to fit under a large bed; also called a truckle bed.

Tureen:

A large, covered, footed bowl, usually with handles, not very deep vessel, about 6" inches across, a large opening, and generally severed soups or broth.

Turkey Work:

A type of needlework imitative of the pile carpets imported from the East in the 17th century.

Valance:

The drapery hanging across the top of a window or at the edges of a bed or table.

Veneer:

Thin layers of wood or other materials glued to a solid ground.

Yamato-e

Yamato meaning Japanese and E stands for painting

Wag on the wall:

An early wall clock in which a short pendulum hung freely without a covering.

Whatnot:

A mobile stand with multiple open shelves for holding ornamental objects.

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