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Adam Style

A refined, graceful style established by British architect Robert Adam and his brother James in the late 18th century, which added Neo-Gothic, Egyptian, and Etruscan motifs to a Neoclassical style. The style is characterised by motifs such as urns, festoons and palmettes in elaborate colour schemes on flat panels and pilasters, arranged in sparse neutral rooms.

Aigrette

A jewelled ornament in the shape of an egret's plume, used to adorn Ottoman turbans, and later Regency headwear.

Aigrette

A long plume from an egret ('aigrette' is the French name for the bird) used as a woman's head-dress.

Andirons

A pair of iron support bars, often decorated at the front, which would stand either side of the hearth to hold the burning logs. Also called 'fire-dogs'.

Architect's Table

A table or desk, often on castors, with an adjustable tilting top for drawing or displaying work. Mahogany architect's tables became very popular in the late 18th century.

Architrave

In architecture, the lowest part of an entablature which rests upon the top of the column; more generally, the moulded frame which surrounds a door, window or frame. part of a frieze. Most commonly, it's the moulded frame surrounding a door, window, mirror or picture frame. They can sometimes be embellished with with projections of shoulders or ears at the corners.

Arita ware

Arita is the Japanese city where, in the early 1600s, white porcelain clay was first discovered and produced outside of China and Korea. The name is also used more generally to refer to white porcelain with a blue underglaze.

Armoire

Currently the French name for a wardrobe, but historically the name for a weapons and armour storage cupboard, the term is today used internationally for a large cabinet or a linen-press.

Art Deco

An decorative and architectural movement of the period 1925-1940, characterised by geometric forms, intense colours and modern materials, named from the Exposition des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris in 1925.

Art Nouveau

A reaction to the classic lines of Regency style, this decorative art movement first appeared in England and was popular across Europe from the late 18th century until the 1st World War. It was known as 'Art Nouveau' in Great Britain after the 'Maison de l'Art Nouveau', and 'Modern Style' in France, as well as 'Jugendstil' in Germany, 'Sezessionstil' in Austria, 'Stile Liberty' or 'Floreale' in Italy, and 'Modernista' in Spain. The movement shared some principles with Arts and Crafts in a return to skilled craftsmanship and natural forms; pieces are characteristically asymmetrical yet elegant, intricately decorated with sinuous tendrils of plants or flowing hair, leaves and flowers. Artists in the style created a wide range of decorative items, particularly furniture, jewellery, small personal items and exquisitely designed books.

Arts and Crafts Movement

A style movement popular particularly in England in the late 19th century and embedded within the Art Nouveau tradition. Conceived as a backlash against Victorian industrialisation and mass production, and a return to Medieval standards in craftsmanship, the look is hand-crafted and often deliberately rough-finished with an emphasis on simplicity and beauty combined. William Morris, often thought to be the founder of the movement, produced glassware, furnishings, wallpaper and art in a distinctive romantic style and Charles Rennie Mackintosh took the style towards Art Deco with his more modern designs.

aumbry

A small recess or cupboard in the wall of a church, especially as a repository for books.

Bachelor Chest

A small,low chest-of-drawers for any purpose with three drawers and (usually) a hinged top.

Backboard

The board against a chair seat which supports the back of the sitter.

Backboard

The wooden panel which seals the back of furniture made to stand against a wall, and is not usually varnished or decorated to the same degree as the more visible parts of the furniture

Bakelite

A tough, thermosetting plastic invented by L.H. Baekeland in 1909 and used to make a variety of domestic objects, including electrical appliances since it is a nonconductor.

balconette

A decorative window box holder.

Baluster

A double-curved column form, with a narrow waist and flared ends (more prominently flared at the base; the opposite is called an inverted baluster) and commonly found in architecture, ceramics, metalwork and the stems of drinking glasses.

balustrade

A row of repeating and often ornamental balusters (the small posts which support the upper rail of a railing) as may be seen on a staircase, or which forms the parapet to a balcony, bridge or terrace.

Baroque

Originally developed in Italy in the early 17th century, this decorative and architectural style is typified by elaborate ornamentation ( specifically cupids and cornucopia), bold, curvaceous forms, and balanced exuberance.

baryton

A musical instrument with six or seven bowed strings of gut and between nine and twenty-four (most often twelve) sympathetic wire strings, used mainly in 18th Century Germany and Austria (now obsolete, although Joseph Haydn wrote compositions for it).

basset horn

A musical instrument of the clarinet family, now pitched in F, typically with the mouthpiece set in a 'crook' and a deep range achieved by a distinctive 'book' or 'box' (an extra length of tube which makes three excursions before emerging into a flamboyant metal bell) - popular with Mozart.

Biedermeier

The name given to simple veneered wooden furniture from early 19th century Germany and Eastern Europe, often constructed in cherry wood , assorted blond woods or mahogany. (It was named after a derogatory German nickname for the bourgeois as it was a functional, affordable middle class style)

Bonheur du jour

From the French meaning 'pleasant hours of the day', this term is used for an ornamental writing desk, usually owned by the lady of the house and often embellished Boulle Style or with Sevres porcelain.

Boulle

Andre-Charles Boulle was a 17th century French cabinet-maker who perfected the Italian art of brass and tortoiseshell marquetry, which is sometimes now known by his name. The work is elaborate and foliate. The pieces, usually elaborate and foliate, were often made in pairs comprising one 'premiere-partie' ( when the ground is brass), and one contra-partie (when the ground is tortoise-shell)

Burl

Often used as an American name for 'burr', burl wood is taken from an abnormal growth at the trunk of a tree (usually elm or walnut) and carved carefully to reveal spectacular patterns made by dormant buds in the grain. This beauty and the rarity of burls account for their highly prized status in the making of formal and provincial furniture- making, where it is used as a wood or veneer..

Cabaret Set

An 18th century tea-service set on a tray, usually for three or more people

Cabinet Organ

An organ small enough to be contained in a cabinet, popular for homes and small chapels

Cabochon

1. A gemstone which has been rounded and smoothed rather than faceted (especially popular in the 19th century)

Cabochon

2. An ornament carved on a piece of furniture, especially on the knees of cabriole chair legs, and round in shape, often surrounded by scrolled, foliate carving.

Caddy

A container for tea, used first for porcelain jars of Chinese tea imported to Britain, then more usually silver but also ceramic, wood or enamel. Traditional wooden caddies include a separate compartment, spoon and glass bowl for the blending of two different types of leaf.

Cadogan

A speciality, collectable teapot, which has no lid and must be filled from the base ( a small tube inside ensures the contents do not spill when upright). The teapot was named after Lady Cadogan who was reputed to have introduced them into Britain from China in the 19th century ; several sources suggest that the design was inspired by a Chinese wine jar.

Camaieu

The style and technique, particularly on porcelain, whereby an image is painted solely in different tones of a single colour- or in several tints unnatural to the subject of the painting. See also grisaille and cirage.

Chippendale

A style of furniture produced by or after the style of Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779), an English cabinet-maker who greatly influenced British and American tastes, combining neoclassical elegance with rococo ornamentation.

Cirage

A scene painted entirely in varying hues of yellow.

Cloisonné

The art of adorning metal by applying enamel to fields of a design separated by fine wires, and the ware produced by this method. Cloisonné became famous in China in the 18th century, and is still famed as an Oriental art form, but was also a specialty of Limoges, France in the Middle Ages.

Coffer

Originally referring to a travelling trunk covered and banded by metalwork, also used for any low chest or trunk without drawers, particularly one for keeping money.

corbel

In medieval architecture, a corbel is a stone bracket jutting from a wall or corner of a building to support a beam or an arch.

Cromwellian

The style period of Puritan rule under Oliver Cromwell from 1649-1660, sometimes called the Commonwealth, was characterised by a simple functionality and even severity, with little decoration other than turned wood.

Davenport

1.A small, often decorative, writing desk with real drawers down one side,false drawers down the other and a sloping top ( named after Captain Davenport who is thought to have first ordered one in the late 18th century)

Davenport

2.(American) A large sofa which can be converted into a day bed

Davenport

3.Pottery or porcelain from the Longport factory founded by John Davenport in the late 18th century and marked with the emblem of an anchor.

Deadbeat Escapement

A precision escapement mechanism used in pendulum clocks, also called a Graham Escapement after its supposed inventor, the English watchmaker George Graham.

Decanter

A vessel for liquid, either a stoppered bottle used to store liquor in a sideboard,or(orginally)a bottle with a neck more slender than the belly to permit serving wine whilst leaving the sediment in the vessel.

Deckle Edge

The uneven,untrimmed edge of a handmade paper, often sliced off for packing, but left as created to demonstrate authenticity (although the effect can be faked on any paper)

Dessert Spoon

A mid-sized shallow spoon made from about 1750 onwards, usually in sets.

Deutsche Blumen

Realistically painted single stems or small bunches of flowers, which became popular in the mid-18th century when they replaced indianische-blumen as the characteristic porcelain decoration at Meissen.

Dial

The 'face' of a clock, which shows the time.

Dining Chairs

A set of chairs with sides and two arms designed to go around (and often sold in a set with) a dining table.

Directoire Style

Named after the then rulers of France following the execution of the last King, Louis XVI, in 1793, Directoire represented a move from the ornate regal style of the kings to a neoclassical French Empire style, with more angular furniture decorated now by paint rather than marquetry, and considerably less organic decoration.

Dornix

A coarse blend of linen and wool used particularly in the Middle Ages in England for curtains, bedding and clothing.

Dovetail

The dovetail joint is thought to be the strongest joint used in carpentry, consisting of two pieces of wood interlocking at a right angle by means of wedge-shaped projecting tenons in one piece corresponding to reverse-shaped mortises in the other.

Duncan Phyfe

Duncan Phyfe emigrated from Scotland to New York in 1783 and became the area's most celebrated cabinet maker. He was a pioneer in mahogany and made graceful curving pieces of furniture with outwards-curving feet and curved arms. He is considered to be an important part of the French-inspired American Empire movement, which brought classical grace and order to modern interiors.

Dustboard

A thin softwood panel attached to the inside rails of a chest of drawers to prevent dust from settling on the contents of the drawers.

Earthenware

Crockery, ornaments or other objects made from clay which has been fired to a maximum of 1,200°C/2,200°F and is therefore slightly permeable until glazed or coated with slip. Earthenware is naturally brown or red, depending on the earth from which it originates, but is often glazed for decorative purposes. Most ancient and antique painted ceramics are earthenware, Faience, terra cotta, and majolica are notable examples.

Easy chair

A chair designed for comfort, with a tall back for a head-rest, 'wings' between the back and arm-rests to prevent drafts, and well-upholtered throughout, popular since the late 17th century in suites or singly. Also known as a wing chair.

Eclectic

The mid-19th century saw several British architects adapting historic styles to suit present needs and creating a new style from the mish-mash of Gothic, Renaissance, Queen Anne and Arts & Crafts elements which they used; this was known as' Free' Style or 'Eclectic'.

écorché

A depiction of a human figure without skin so that the muscles are clearly shown; can refer to a drawing, painting or sculpture.

Effigy

A likeness of a person, most specifically the carving of someone deceased which rest upon their tomb, but also the carved image of a face on a coin.

Eggshell Porcelain

A Chinese porcelain of the Ming dynasty remarkable for its incredible delicacy and thinness; the glaze is pure white and translucent, often with 'anhua' decorations (literally, 'secret language') which can only be seen when held to the light.

Elbow bead

A long glass bead with a smooth bend in middle, hence the name; particularly the Venetian millefiori bead produced pre-1700 and now rather rare.

Elizabethan Style

Queen Elizabeth I reigned from 1558'1603, but the 'Elizabethan style' usually refers to the time between the Gothic and Renaissance periods, towards the end of Elizabeth's reign, and as the final part of the Tudor period. The most significant changes were in architecture; many manor houses were constructed for the nobility, for the first time with long galleries and a greater sense of privacy. The buildings were largely symmetrical, and highly decorated with the exuberant concoction of Gothic, Flemish and Italian motifs, Arab strapwork and medieval mullions and friezes which characterises the Elizabethan style. Heavily-carved oak was still the main timber used.

Embellish

To decorate or improve by adding detail or ornamentation. To add or improve.

Emerald

A (usually) brilliant green variety of beryl which occurs in hexagonal prisms and is prized as a gemstone

Empire Style

The style which prevailed in France during the early 19th century under the rule of Napoleon, which reflected his military glories with a formal, classical style of clean symmetrical lines and triumphant motifs like the imperial eagle, laurelled 'N' , bee and trophies alongside the classical and Egyptian lions, hieroglyphics, palms, winged griffins, cobras and sphinxes. Furniture, still in mahogany, was carved less frequently but inlay and ormolu ornamentation remained popular. Colours were mostly muted 'grisailles' although stronger colours became fashionable later. A less graceful version of the style became popular in Britain, although with different motifs, particularly the rosette and Prince of Wales's feathers.

Escapement

The part of a clock mechanism which regulates the release of power to the balance or pendulum.

Fairings

Mass-produced porcelain figure ornaments, popular in the 19th and 20th centuries and given away as prizes at fairs. They often depicted sentimental images of children or household scenes with captions.

fanlight

see lunette

Fausse Montre

An imitation watch worn on the right wrist by men and women in the eighteenth century.

Federal

The American version of the European neo-classical style, which was carried across the Atlantic in the late 18th century by English emigrants inspired by the current style of Adam, Hepplewhite and Sheraton. The Americans re-named this graceful and delicate style after their newly-formed federal government and added the federal eagle to the neo-classical motifs which decorated furniture and features.

Festoon

A motif found mainly in Baroque art and furniture, which consists of a swag of flowers, ribbons and foliage, or any of these, suspended in a curve between two points ( not the parts which hang freely from these points)

Filigree

Delicate decorative openwork in silver or gold thread, produced particularly since the late 19th century.

Finial

A sculptured ornament, often in the shape of a leaf or flower, at the top of a gable, pinnacle, or similar structure. An ornamental terminating part, as on a post or piece of furniture. The term is also used for the non-eating end of a silver spoon, or a tiny animal protruding from an Oriental vase. A downward-pointing finial is called a pendant or drop-finial.

Finial

Any ornamental terminating part of a pediment, post or other protruding structure, often in the shape of an orb, leaf or spire, or the whole may be shaped as a column or human figure. The term is also used for the non-eating end of a silver spoon, or a tiny animal protruding from an Oriental vase. A downward-pointing finial is called a pendant or drop-finial.

Georgian

The British design style of the 18th century,which developed from the Palladian period to the Regency period during the reigns of Georges I-IV. Georgian style was, in contrast to the Baroque style which preceded it, neo-classical, elegant and harmonious. Rooms were painted or papered in pale colours and arranged around an elaborate fireplace, furniture was delicate, and collectables and prints became more popular.

Girandole

A wall feature comprising an ornately carved candelabra and a mirror, often of asymetrical design.

Gothic

The Gothic style began with the architecture of the 12th century, and spread to influence painting and sculpture too across Western Europe for the next three centuries until the dawn of the Renaissance. Most work was religious in nature, with distinctive features being the arched design and ribbed vaults of its churches and increasingly grand cathedrals, bold stained glass, and illuminated manuscripts boasting increased naturalism; all resplendent with trefoils, pinnacles, and pointed arches.

Grisaille

From the French for shades of grey, this can refer to a painting, relief sculpture, stained glass or interior décor executed in varying shades of grey and neutral colours only. This look was particularly popular on ceramics and walls during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Half tester

A wooden canopy supported above a bed by two posts at the head end ( see Full Tester)

Half-dovetail

See Dovetail; A carpentry joint where the rear of the mortise is longer than the opening (see also Dovetail).

Hallmark

A symbol struck on a gold or silver article to guarantee the purity of the metal and indicate that it has been passed at assay (the name is from Goldsmith's Hall in London, where gold and silver were appraised in the 15th century.

Hepplewhite

George Hepplewhite was a Georgian furniture maker and designer in England who has been credited with popularising the winged easy-chair. His furniture is dainty and delicate though sound, and often inlaid with festoons, feathers, and other motifs. Although famed for large furniture he and his school also excelled in smaller pieces. His Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer's Guide, published in 1788 after his death, was widely influential.

Hunter

A watch designed for hunting or outdoor use, where the crystal and dial are protected by a hinged metal cover.

Impasto

A painting technique whereby paint is applied to the canvas thickly enough for it stand out from the surface- used to mimic highlighting and to create effect in the 17th century Baroque paintings.

Inclusion

Natural flaws in a gemstone, usually caused by particles of other minerals or bubbles of gas becoming trapped inside the gem as it formed.

Intaglio

Any design incised into the object rather than carved in relief. (See also Etching and Engraving) 'An intaglio' can also refer specifically to an ancient incised gemstone set in a ring or used as a seal.

Jacobean

'Jacobean' strictly refers to the period during which King James was on the throne (1603 - 25) but is also used loosely for the 17th century in general. Stylistically there were few significant changes from the preceding Elizabethan period; houses became more unified in style but retained Elizabethan features, furniture was still largely vivaciously carved oak and classical shapes such as arcades and pilasters were decorated freely with Elizabethan-style scrolls, straps and other embellishments.

Jade

The term used for either jadeite or nephrite, strong hard gemstones which have been used in China for functional and decorative items since the neolithic period. The gemstones occur in green, red, grey and white.

Jadeite

A hard type of jade, normally the best and most desirable for carving and jewellery, famed for its brilliant green colour.

Japanning

The process in Western art of covering wooden furniture with paint, gesso, varnish, and gilt to replicate an Oriental lacquered finish.

Jugendstil

The organic decorative style of the Art Nouveau movement was popular in Germany and Austria, where it was known as Judgendstil or Jugendstile ( from the word for 'youth') Furniture in a solid wood such as maple wood or walnut, without veneering, was typical.

Limning

a hand- drawn illustration of the outlines of forms or objects .

Louis XV

The reign of Louis XV of France (1723-1774) was known for voluptuous styles and excess of pleasure; its decorative style,often called Rococo, was similarly indulgent, as exemplified by Sevres porcelain and Boucher paintings. Furniture was constructed to be both comfortable and beautiful ( most notably the new chaise bergere) with cabriole legs, increased upholstery, and exquisite metal mounts. Many pieces were asymmetrical and exuberant. New motifs included the celery and endive leaf,as well as the flame,shell and other organic forms.

Louis XVI

The styles produced under the reign of Louis XVI from 1643-1715 were as sumptuous as those under Louis XV, but now generally constructed with straight lines and more purity of form. The legs of furniture no longer curved but tapered, and heavy woods such as mahogany began to be used; marquetry and gilt embellishments, as well as tapestry-covered chairs were still popular, as was ornate porcelain. Typical motifs were bound arrows,musical instruments, garlands of roses, oval medallions and the acanthus leaf.

Lunette

A shape carved as part of a design on early oak furniture.

Lunette

An architectural feature in the form of a half-moon or crescent-shape, usually a window or alcove above a door or a larger window (also known as a fanlight)

Maniere criblee

An early form of metal engraving common in the 15th century and revived in the 18th century, in which dots were punched in the plate to show white and textured against the printed background

Maquette

A small preliminary model, often in clay or wax, for a sculpture or piece of architecture.

Marlborough leg

A straight and square furniture leg ending in a square block foot, to be found mainly on 18th century chairs, tables and bedposts.The design was modified and made more elegant by Hepplewhite.

Marquetry

The art of veneering a wooden object with thin pieces of different-coloured woods to create an intricate design or picture, often architectural or foliate. The veneer pieces are precisely cut to shape and may be stained or burned to create colour and texture. Marquetry was particularly popular during the late 17th century on Dutch and Dutch-influenced furniture, and again in the late 18th century.

Miniature

A term used both generally for any small variant of art, and specifically to describe the tiny portraits on vellum or ivory that were a dominant style in Elizabethan England. Elizabethan miniatures were usually oval- shaped to be concealed in a locket, as they often depicted the lover of the wearer and were very personal.

Moiré

The wavy pattern effect produced by superimposing one repetitive design on another, or by embossing. The effect resembles watered silk, and has been popular for book cloths, to line prayer books and Bibles, the textured calico used for publishers' bindings, and upholstery seats.

Monteith

A large silver bowl, with a detachable scalloped edge to allow drinking glasses to be hung from the rim to be chilled, popular on fashionable dining tables from the late 17th Century.

Morris chair

A comfortable easy-chair with an adjustable back, deep seat and arm rests, named for its supposed creator, William Morris.

Natural trumpet

A trumpet played without valves, but with only differing tension of the player's lips to determine the note produced. Natural trumpets were used at first for signalling and then in the 17th century as an orchestral instrument but largely replace in the 1800s by the modern valved trumpet.

Obsidian

A naturally occurring volcanic glass formed by rapidly cooling lava, obsidian is harder than window glass and has been used by ancient civilisations variously as a knife, spearhead and mirror as well as a decorative mineral.

Oeil de Perdrix

A pattern used particularly by the Sevres porcelain factory in the eighteenth century,consisting of circles with a central dot in each (the name means'partridge-eye'.) The term is also used more loosely for any pattern of small round marks or rings.

Ottoman

A thick, upholstered cushion used as a seat, or as a footstool for a larger chair;sometimes also used for a low upholstered sofa without arms or a back.

Palladian

Palladianism is a school of architecture inspired by the 16th century Italian architect Andreas Palladio, whose vision was a return to the harmonious proportions and graceful style of ancient Rome. It was popular throughout the 17th century in Britain, America and other countries, but really became the style of the moment in Europe in the 18th century, when it was developed into the neo-classical movement, largely by Robert Adam.

Palladium

Palladium is similar to, but cheaper, harder, and lighter than platinum. It was discovered in 1804 and used first for technical instruments, and later as a platinum substitute during World War 2

Parchment

An ancient writing surface used for the pages of books, made from fine sheep- or goat- skins which have been soaked in lime, stretched and treated.

Parure

A matching set of jewellery, usually consisting of a necklace, earrings, brooch and at least one bracelet.

paten

A small, shallow plate (typically made of gold or silver) used during the Eucharist to hold the bread at the Offertory of the Mass, and upon which the consecrated Host is again placed after the Fraction.

Patina

The quality of agedness of a surface; on bronze or similar items a green or brown film produced by oxidation over a long period; on wooden furniture a gloss or sheen produced by age and polishing.

Pinchbeck

A copper/zinc alloy designed by watchmaker Christopher Pinchbeck in the early eighteenth century to resemble gold and much used in jewellery of the period.

Planter

A large and often ornamented container in which plants or small trees are grown for decoration.

Queen Anne

1. The style from the reign of Queen Anne in England during the early 18th century, which was curved and graceful in appearance. Queen Anne furniture, made almost entirely of walnut and often decorated with marquetry and veneering, is characterised by the cabriole leg, fiddle-back chair backs, geometric faceting and curved motifs, specifically the scallop shell.

Queen Anne

2. An American style of architecture of the late 19th century which was mistakenly attributed to Queen Anne but in fact owed an equal amount to Flemish, Classical, Renaissance and Asian styles in creating an asymmetrical, picturesque house filled with odd angles, gables and spindles. The style also became known under the sub-categories of Eastlake, Stick and Shingle Style.

Régence style

The French style of the early 18th century during the regency of Philippe d'Orléans, which developed into Rococo and was most notable for durable yet beautiful furniture carved into swelling shapes and curves, then veneered and adorned with gilt or bronze. Typical motifs included foliated scroll, dragons and female busts.

Regency

towards the end of the Georgian period, specifically when George IV was Prince Regent in the early 1800s, the style was a Classical revival, but this time with embellishments from Asian countries such as China, India and Egypt, which resulted in a new exotic and vivacious style. Typical motifs were classical winged lions and palmettes combined with Asian lacquering or French brass marquetry.

Restauration

French monarchs returned to the throne after the Empire years in the early 19th century, and the decorative styles of the years when Charles X and Louis XVIII reigned are known as Restauration, or Restoration.The furniture of the time was similar to the neo-classical style; elegant clean lines and harmonious forms. Veneering and marquetry were very popular, especially dark wood inlays set into pale wood. Many of the motifs employed were classical in origin, such as the rosette, horn of plenty, lyre, and gadrooning.

Restoration

The British monarchy was re-established in 1660 under Charles II following 12 years of the Puritan protectorate. Charles had spent his exile in Europe and returned to the throne with Continental ideas about style and comfort. The resulting Restoration ( or Carolean)styles were flamboyant, ornamented and decidedly anti-Puritan. Walnut replaced oak as the dominant wood and was used for such typical pieces as wainscot chairs and the new Spanish-style twist-turned chairs. Dovetail joints were now used instead of mortise and tenon, and new wood decoration such as cross-banding, veneering and floral marquetry replaced plain carving. Other motifs were the pineapple , rosettes and scrolls.See also 'Restauration' for the French Restoration period.

Restoration

The British monarchy was re-established in 1660 under Charles II following 12 years of the Puritan protectorate. Charles had spent his exile in Europe and returned to the throne with Continental ideas about style and comfort. The resulting Restoration ( or Carolean)styles were flamboyant, ornamented and decidedly anti-Puritan. Walnut replaced oak as the dominant wood and was used for such typical pieces as wainscot chairs and the new Spanish-style twist-turned chairs. Dovetail joints were now used instead of mortise and tenon, and new wood decoration such as cross-banding, veneering and floral marquetry replaced plain carving. Other motifs were the pineapple , rosettes and scrolls.See also 'Restauration' for the French Restoration period.

Rococo

Beginning in 17th century France but becoming more prominent in the 18th century under the reign of Louis XV and then spreading across Europe, Rococo ( from the French rocaille meaning rockwork) was a decorative style which celebrated beauty and pleasure. For the first time forms were asymmetrical, and usually flamboyant and curvilinear. Typical motifs were scrolls, leaves and flowers, as well as Chinese and Indian images.

sarcenet

A fine silk cloth, possibly originally made by the Saracens, and used for linings.

Sconce

A decorative bracket for holding a candle or light, to be fixed to a wall.

Sezessionstil

The Austrian interpretation of the Art Nouveau movement, produced in Vienna at the end of the 19th century largely by the Wiener Werkstätte, Josef Hoffman's crafts cooperative who were greatly inspired by the angular and geometric lines of Charlies Rennie Mackintosh.

Shellac

A thin, golden resinous varnish obtained from the lac insect (found in Asia) and used in japanning.

Sheraton

Thomas Sheraton was an English designer in the late 18th century who produced delicate furniture of the neo-classical style, simple in style but decorated by contrasting veneers and classical motifs; the name is now used to describe this style. Sheraton's publication of The Cabinetmaker's and Upholsterer's Drawing Book introduced his style to America, where it came to be called Federal.

sitar

Stringed instrument originating in the subcontinent

Stile Liberty

The Italian interpretation of the Art Nouveau movement in the late 19th century, it was so named after the London shop Liberty but also called 'Stile Floreale' because of the predominantly organic nature of the designs.

Stoneware

Clay which has been strengthened with naturally occurring or added ceramic materials and fired at a higher temperature than earthenware to ensure impermeability; also any objects made from such clay. The Ancient Chinese were possibly the first to use stoneware, but it became more common in Europe after the Renaissance.

Stool

A piece of furniture to be sat upon, with legs and a seat but no back or arm supports.

Tabernacle

In church, the box on the altar containing the consecrated bread and wine for the Eucharist.

tabor

A small portable drum, often played together with a one-handed pipe.

Tanzanite (or blue zoisite)

A blue gemstone discovered in West Africa in the 1960s, and named by Louis Comfort Tiffany, who created the first tanzanite jewellery.

Tapestry

Traditionally, a tapestry is a heavy patterned cloth woven on a loom, the designs and the material being created by woof and warp threads being knotted together, but the term is sometimes also used for any stitched fabric. The finished tapestry would be used as a wall-hanging or furniture-covering.

Tester

A wooden canopy to hang over a bed, pulpit or throne, and usually draped with the same cloth as this bed. A full tester is supported by four posts or suspended from the ceiling; a half tester is supported by two posts at the bed head end.

Town Mark

A stamp added to silver and gold after the hallmark to indicate the town where it was assayed; common town marks include a leopard's head for London, an anchor for Birmingham and a castle with three towers for Edinburgh.

Tudor

Tudor style marks the beginning of the transition from Gothic to a more classical style, and spans the first half of the 16th century, during the reigns of British monarchs Henry VII, Henry VIII, Edward VI, and Mary I. Few pieces of Tudor furniture have survived, and the most recognisably Tudor feature today is the black-timbered and white-infilled house exterior. These houses were filled with ornate carving and heraldic murals; for the first time ceilings were often panelled in oak, as were the walls, and ornately plastered.

Vellum

A typical but precious medieval writing surface used mainly for the leaves of books, and made from calf-skin which has been soaked in lime, stretched and scraped while damp, then treated with pumice and possibly other powders.

Warp

The long threads which form the first layer of a woven carpet, warp threads stretch from one end of the carpet to the other including the fringes, and are crossed and knotted by the weft threads.

Weft

The horizontal threads in a woven carpet which run counter to, and intertwine around, the warp threads.

William & Mary

The style from the late 17th century, named after the ruling monarchs of the time. William of Orange brought Dutch craftsmen as well as Dutch tastes to England when he was crowned, and they produced heavy, dark furniture with bold carving and Oriental lacquering.

Zen beads

Also known as 'mala' - a string of beads used in Buddhist mantra. The term does not nescessarily indicate an antique item.

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