The 2025 Complete A-Z of Antique Terminology

The Language of Antiques—A Curator's Perspective

The language of antiques is a lexicon that extends far beyond simple descriptions; it is an intellectual tool for anyone serious about the field, whether a collector, a student of art history, or a professional. Each term encapsulates centuries of design evolution, specific artistic and technical processes, and the material science that defines an object. A single word can denote a historical period, a method of construction, a legal distinction, or a defect that affects an object's value. This vocabulary is not static; it has evolved over time, with terms changing meaning across different regions and eras, and with new words being coined to describe innovative techniques.

A comprehensive understanding of this domain requires knowledge that spans multiple disciplines. One must be conversant in the art history of major movements, such as the grand formality of the Baroque and its rejection in the intimate curves of the Rococo. An appreciation for an object's material composition is also vital, from the distinction between various metal alloys to the complex processes behind ceramics. Furthermore, a collector must be aware of the economic and legal nuances of the market, understanding the language of auctions and the importance of an object's documented history.

This report serves as a single, authoritative reference that synthesizes fragmented knowledge from diverse fields into a cohesive and accessible guide. It is designed to be a definitive source for navigating the complex and rewarding world of antiques, providing not just definitions, but the context and history necessary for true connoisseurship.

A Truly Comprehensive Glossary of Antiques (A-Z)

A

• Abattant: A term for a drop-down flap, most often found on the French-style secrétaire à abattant (secretary desk).¹ When closed, it conceals interior drawers and shelves, and when open, it creates a flat writing surface.¹ This functional yet decorative element is a signature of high-style French cabinetmaking.

• Acanthus: A decorative motif resembling the stylized, scalloped leaves of the acanthus plant.³ This ornament has its origins in ancient Greek art and architecture and was revived in the 16th century.³ It became a prominent decorative feature in later periods, including the Rococo and Georgian eras, showcasing the enduring influence of classical design.⁴

• Achromatic: A colour, such as black or white, that has no hue.⁵ This term is used in painting and design to describe the absence of chromaticity.

• Agent: In the context of auctions, this refers to a person authorized to act on behalf of a principal.³ An auctioneer, for example, serves as the agent of the seller.³

• Aigrette: A hair ornament consisting of a feather plume or a spray of glitter, which is often accentuated with a jewel or buckle.⁶

• Alabaster: A fine-grained stone, typically white or gray and slightly translucent, that is a form of the mineral gypsum.³ It is often used in decorative items and sculpture due to its soft, workable nature.⁷

• Alloy: A mixture of two or more metals combined to achieve properties not present in the individual components.⁸ This is a fundamental concept in antique metalwork. For example, bronze is an alloy of copper and tin ¹, and sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals to increase strength and durability, as pure precious metals are often too soft for practical use.¹⁰

• Anthemion: A decorative motif of Greek origin that features a radiating pattern resembling the honeysuckle flower and its leaves.⁴ It is a classical design element often used in Neoclassical architecture and furniture.¹

• Antique: A legal and commercial term for an object or piece of furniture that is at least 100 years old.¹ This definition separates an object from a "vintage" item (usually defined as being at least 20 years old) or a broader "collectible".¹¹

• Apron: A decorative horizontal section of wood located between the legs of a chair, table, or cabinet.¹ It can be shaped, carved, or pierced and joins the surface of a piece to its legs.¹

• Armoire: A large, tall, freestanding wardrobe or cupboard, often ornate, used primarily for storing clothes or linens.¹ Originating in late 16th-century France, an armoire can feature one to three doors and sometimes includes a mirrored panel.¹

• Art Deco: A design style that was popular from the 1920s to the 1930s.¹ It is characterised by angular, simple lines and bold, geometric forms that often incorporate new materials.³ The name is derived from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes held in Paris in 1925, where the style was first exhibited.¹¹

• Art Nouveau: A design style from the late 19th and early 20th centuries that emphasised smoothly curving lines and subtle transitions throughout the form.¹¹ It draws inspiration from organic and natural forms, such as flowers, vines, and trees.¹¹

• Assemblage: An artwork created by gathering and manipulating two- and/or three-dimensional found objects.⁵

• “As Is”: A term used in a sale to indicate that the buyer is purchasing the object with all its existing flaws and imperfections, whether visible or not.¹¹ This places the responsibility on the buyer to perform due diligence, as a refund will not be issued if a problem is discovered after the purchase.¹¹

• Assay: A test conducted to verify the purity of a precious metal.⁸ This process is central to the system of hallmarking.¹⁴

B

• Back Splat: The central, vertical piece of wood in a chair back that runs from the seat to the top rail.¹

• Bakelite: An early, synthetic form of plastic patented in 1909 that was widely used in vintage jewelry due to its durability and wide range of colours.⁶

• Ball and Claw Foot: A decorative foot for furniture, originating in China, that features a sphere held by an animal’s talons.¹ In Europe, the motif was re-interpreted with an eagle's or lion's claw gripping a ball.¹

• Ball Foot: A simple, spherical foot on a piece of furniture that was popular in the 17th century for tables and cabinets.¹

• Banding: A decorative, inlaid border or edging around a piece of furniture, often using contrasting wood.¹⁵

• Baroque: A decorative style from the late 16th to the 18th century, characterised by bold sculptural forms, dynamic surfaces, and elaborate ornament.¹ Originating in Italy and representing the Roman Catholic Church, the style is known for its heavy architectural forms, such as twisted columns and thick moldings.³ Its formal symmetry was a key feature that the later Rococo style would deliberately reject.¹³

• Bas Relief: A form of carving or molding in which the design projects only slightly from a flat background surface.¹

• Batch: When discussing glass, this term refers to the raw ingredients, typically sand, soda, and lime, that are prepared and ready for melting.²

• Bergère: An upholstered armchair with closed sides, which first became popular in the 18th century.¹ It is a specific type of armchair, contrasted with the open-sided fauteuil.¹

• Bevel: An edge that has been cut at a slant, commonly seen on mirrors.¹

• Bid Rigging: An illegal act where two or more people conspire to artificially fix bids in an auction, either to depress or to increase selling prices.³

• Biedermeier: A period between 1815 and 1848 in Central Europe. Furniture from this era, produced in Germany and Austria, was influenced by Napoleonic styles but featured simpler designs that often used local timber.¹

• Biscuit / Bisque: In ceramics, this refers to ware that has been fired once to harden the clay body but has not yet been glazed.¹⁷ The term comes from the French bis-cuite, meaning “twice baked”.¹⁸

• Blacamoor: A carved figure of a dark-skinned person dressed in a colourful costume, first created in Venice.³ These figures were used as a support for tables and torchière.³

• Block Front: A type of chest with an upright front divided into three sections: two projecting flat sections and a central hollowed section.¹ This style is most commonly found on furniture made in New England.³

• Boiserie: A French term for highly decorative paneling.¹

• Bombé: A French term meaning "curving outward" or "bulging".¹ It describes a swelling outward curve at the front of a piece of furniture.⁷

• Boulle: Associated with André-Charles Boulle (1642-1732), a cabinetmaker to King Louis XIV.¹ The term refers to his signature technique of marquetry, which combines bronze, tortoiseshell, and other lavish materials to create intricate designs.¹

• Briolette: A pear-shaped gemstone cut that features facets all around, making it ideal for earrings and pendants.⁸

• Bronze: An alloy of copper, tin, and traces of other metals.¹ It is a durable material used for sculpture and as the base metal for ormolu.¹

• Brummagem: A derogatory term for a showy, but inferior and worthless thing.²⁰ This can include fakes, reproductions, or fantasy items that lack genuine quality.²⁰

• Bun Foot: A type of foot on furniture that resembles a slightly flattened ball or sphere.¹

• Bureau: A term with multiple meanings depending on its origin. In England and France, it refers to a desk with a sloping fall-front that is hinged at the base and is supported by lopers when open.⁴ In America, the term is used to describe a bedroom chest-of-drawers.¹

• Bureau Plat: A French term for a flat-topped writing desk, which is typically rectangular with drawers below the top.²

C

• Cabochon: A smooth, round, or oval raised decoration.⁴ In jewelry, it describes a dome-shaped gemstone without facets.⁶ In furniture, it is often found on the knees of cabriole legs, sometimes surrounded by acanthus leaves.⁴

• Cabriole Leg: A stylized furniture leg with a double curve.¹ The form, reminiscent of a stylized animal's hind leg, curves outward from the seat or apron and then inward towards the foot.¹ The term is derived from a ballet jump, a subtle nod to the gracefulness of the form.¹

• Cameo: A decorative object, such as jewelry, that features a raised relief carved into a contrasting material, such as a gemstone, shell, or lava.⁸

• Candelabra: A decorative branched candlestick.³ A girandole is an elaborate form of candelabrum.⁴

• Canterbury: A stand with vertical compartments designed to hold sheet music.⁴ It is known in its late 18th- and 19th-century form, though it originated as a mid-18th-century supper trolley.⁴

• Capital: The head or crowning feature of a column or pilaster.⁴ The design of a capital is a key distinguishing feature of the classical architectural orders, such as Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.⁹

• Carcase: The main body or understructure of a piece of furniture.⁴ This core structure is often covered with a layer of veneer or other material.⁴

• Carpet Ball: A small, decorative sphere used as a weight to hold down carpets or as a decorative finial.²¹

• Cartonnier: An 18th-century cabinet of French design.⁴

• Casting Slip: In ceramics, a liquid clay used in the slip casting technique, where it is poured into a mold to shape pottery.²²

• Cavetto Moulding: A concave molding that is a quarter circle in cross-section.⁴ It is also known as hollow chamfering and is the opposite of an ovolo moulding.⁴

• Cellaret: A deep, lockable box for the dry storage of wine bottles, dating from the 18th century.⁴ It can be free-standing or incorporated into a sideboard.⁴

• Chamfer: A canted surface produced by beveling off an angle.⁴

• Chenets: Ornamental pieces placed in front of a fireplace.³

• Cheval Mirror: A full-length, freestanding mirror that can be tilted to adjust the angle of reflection.¹

• Chinoiserie: A general term for the European adaptation and imitation of Chinese and other Oriental artistic motifs.³ Popular during the late 17th century and the Rococo and Regency periods, its designs often include pagodas, dragons, fretwork, mandarins, and stylized landscapes.²

• Chippendale: Refers to the renowned mid-18th-century English furniture designer and maker, Thomas Chippendale, or to the style of furniture he made.⁷ His pattern book became a global benchmark for fashionable furniture.⁷

• Cloisonné: An enameling technique where thin wires are used to create compartments on a metal object, which are then filled with coloured enamel.³

• Commode: A French term for a low chest of drawers or a cabinet.³ Originally designed for the drawing-room in the mid-17th century, it was very popular in the 18th century and became a term for bedroom cupboards in the 19th century.²

• Console Table: A narrow table specifically designed to be placed against a wall.³ It may be attached to the wall with two front legs or be free-standing against it.³

• Coquillage: A form of decorative shell motif that was popular during the Baroque and Rococo periods.⁴

• Cornice: The projecting, molded top edge of a tall piece of case furniture, such as a bookcase or cabinet.² It can be plain or carved, and often features a decorative pattern, such as dentils.³

• Costume Jewelry: Fashion-focused jewelry made with non-precious materials.⁸

• Craquelure: The tiny network of cracks that develops in the paint or varnish of a painting over time, a natural sign of aging.¹¹

• Crazing: The tiny cracks that appear in the glaze of porcelain or pottery.¹¹ Unlike craquelure, crazing is a defect caused by tension between the clay body and the glaze.²²

• Credenza: A sideboard, often with a mirror back, used for storage and serving in a dining room.¹ The term originated from the 16th-century practice of a servant tasting food from the cabinet to ensure it was not poisoned.¹

• Culet: The small facet at the bottom of a gemstone.⁶

D

• Damask: A reversible figured fabric made of silk, wool, linen, or other fibers, with a pattern formed by weaving.¹

• Delftware: A general term for Dutch tin-glazed earthenware, a form of faience.² The city of Delft was the major center of production, and most Delftware is characterised by its blue and white colour scheme, which imitated 17th-century Chinese porcelain.²⁵

• Demi-Lune: A "half-moon" shaped table that is designed to sit flush against a wall.²

• Dentil: A decorative pattern consisting of a series of small, equally spaced rectangular blocks, often part of a cornice molding.¹ The name comes from the Latin word for tooth, dens.¹

• Diadem: A type of crown or headband that signifies sovereignty.⁸

• Dovetail: A strong, interlocking joinery technique, often used in cabinets and drawers.² It is made of fan-shaped "pins" on one board that fit into "tails" on another, with exposed dovetails often indicating high-quality, handcrafted furniture.²

• Drop-Leaf: A type of table with extendable parts that hang vertically at its sides when not in use.⁷

E

• Ebenistes: A French term for a furniture maker who specializes in the art of veneering.⁴

• Ebonising: The process of staining wood with a dark finish to make it look like ebony.¹

• Edwardian: A period in jewelry and decorative arts from the reign of King Edward VII, known for its elegance and use of platinum.⁸

• Egg-and-Dart Moulding: A principal decorative motif of classical origin that consists of alternating oval or egg shapes and leafy arrowheads.⁴

• Electroplating: A process that applies a thin layer of gold or silver onto a base metal.⁸ Items marked "EPNS" (Electro-Plated Nickel Silver) or "EPBM" (Electro-Plated Britannia Metal) are not solid silver and do not have a legal hallmark.¹⁰

• Empire: A decorative style from Napoleon’s reign (1804-1814) characterised by heavy architectural forms and classical motifs from Egypt, Greece, and Rome, such as winged chimera and massive bronze mounts.¹

• Encoignure: A French term for a standing corner cupboard, which often has a marble top.⁴

• Escutcheon: A decorative metal plate that is fitted around a keyhole for both protection and decoration.¹ The term comes from the Latin scutum for shield.¹

• Étagère: A piece of furniture with open shelves used to display objects.⁴ It can be free-standing or designed to be attached to a wall.⁴

F

• Faience: A traditional term for tin-glazed earthenware.² It is also the French term for this type of pottery, which is characterised by a thin body completely covered with an opaque white glaze.² The term likely references the Italian city of Faenza, a major center of production.²⁶

• Fauteuil: A French form of an open-armed armchair with an upholstered back and seat.¹ It is distinguished from the bergère by its open sides.¹

• Faux: A French word meaning "false," which is used to describe imitation gems or materials.⁸

• Festoon: Also known as a swag, this is a Renaissance and Neoclassical motif in the shape of a suspended loop of drapery or a garland of fruit and flowers.⁴

• Filigree: A delicate, lace-like ornament made from intricately curled and twisted gold or silver wire.⁴

• Finial: A projecting ornament that can take many forms, such as a ball, flame, flower, acorn, or pineapple.⁴ It is often found at the top of a piece of furniture or architecture.⁴

• Flatware: A collective term for flat ceramic items like plates and platters, which distinguishes them from containers like jugs and bowls, which are known as holloware.¹⁸

• Fluting: A form of decoration created by making parallel, concave grooves, most commonly seen on column shafts.¹ It has been used on furniture since the 16th century.⁴

• Fob: An ornament or seal that is attached to a watch chain or keychain.⁸

• Foxing: An age-related deterioration process that causes spots and browning on old paper documents, books, or stamps due to a fungal or chemical reaction.¹¹

• Fretwork: Interlocking geometrical designs cut from thin wood.⁴ It can be used ornamentally with or without a contrasting backing.⁴

• Frieze: The horizontal band or edge directly below the top of a piece of furniture, which can be plain or decorated with fretwork or carving.⁷ It is also a wide, horizontal band in architecture, often decorated with painting or sculpture.¹

G

• Gallery: An ornamental metal or wood railing that runs around the edge of a piece of furniture.¹

• Georgian: A term for the English decorative arts style during the reigns of the first four British monarchs of the House of Hanover, from 1714 to 1830.¹ The period coincided with the American Federal style and the French Regency and Neoclassical styles.²⁷

• Gesso: A paste prepared with glue and a mixture of gypsum or Plaster of Paris.³ It is spread upon a surface as a base for painting or, more commonly, for gilding.¹

• Gilding: The technique of applying a thin layer of gold leaf, gold foil, or gold dust to wood or metal for decorative purposes.³ The process can involve applying gold leaf with water onto gesso or using mercury onto metal to create ormolu.¹

• Girandole: An elaborate candelabrum.⁴ The term also refers to a heavily carved or gilded wall sconce with a mirrored backplate designed to reflect candlelight.⁴

• Glaze: A shiny, non-porous coating on pottery and porcelain.¹⁷ It is a liquid suspension of finely ground minerals that, when fired, melts to form a glassy coating on the clay surface.¹⁹

• Glost Firing: Also known as glaze firing, this is the second firing process for ceramics, which is done to melt the glaze and form a smooth, glass-like surface.¹⁸ This firing is typically performed at a higher temperature than the initial biscuit firing.¹⁹

• Gothic: A style, especially in architecture, that features lancet arches, finials, and pierced carving.³ In furniture, Gothic motifs such as trefoils and crockets were used, particularly during the 19th-century Gothic Revival.²

• Greenware: An unfired clay item.¹⁸ This is the most fragile stage of pottery production.¹⁸

• Grog: Small pieces of crushed, fired clay or pottery added to a clay body to provide strength and reduce shrinkage during firing.¹⁷

• Grisaille: A painting technique in shades of black, gray, and white that is meant to imitate marble relief ornament.⁴ It was frequently applied to furniture during the Renaissance and Neoclassical periods.⁴

H

• Hallmark: A small, deep impression stamped on an item of precious metal to identify its purity, origin, and the year it was tested.¹⁰ The system, which originated in the 13th century, is a form of consumer protection.¹⁰

• Holloware: A collective term for shaped and formed ceramic items such as jugs, mugs, and bowls.¹⁷ It is the opposite of flatware.¹⁸

• Inlay: A decorative technique where a contrasting material is embedded into a recess on a surface.³ This differs from marquetry, which creates a pattern from multiple veneers.³

J

• Japanning: A European technique from the 17th and 18th centuries that imitates the glossy, hard lacquer finishes of Asian furniture.² It involves applying multiple layers of shellac-based varnish, often black, which is then decorated with gilded Chinoiserie designs.²

• Jardinière: A container for plants or flowers, which can be made of various materials, including ceramic.⁷

K

• Kaolin: A fine, pure white clay, also known as china clay, that is used in making high-quality porcelain.¹⁹

• Kiln: A furnace or oven specifically built for firing clay and glazes.¹⁷

• Kiln Furniture: A broad term for the shelves and posts used inside a kiln to support the ceramic ware during firing.¹⁸

L

• Lacquer: An Oriental varnish obtained from the sap of a lacquer tree, which provides a durable, high-gloss finish.⁷ The technique was imitated in Europe through japanning.⁷

• Leather Hard: The condition of clay when most of the moisture has evaporated, but it is still pliable enough to be carved or joined.¹⁹

M

• Maiolica: An Italian term for tin-glazed pottery, which is decorated in colours on a white background.² The most renowned Italian maiolica is from the Renaissance period, with works known as istoriato wares for their historical and mythical scenes.²⁸

• Marquetry: An ornamental veneer technique where shaped pieces of wood or other materials, such as ivory and mother of pearl, are arranged to form a pictorial mosaic.¹ It differs from inlay, where a contrasting material is fitted into a solid piece of wood.⁴

• Mint: A term used to describe an antique in perfect condition, as if it were never used.²⁹

• Modeling: In sculpture, this is a technique of building up form by working with a pliable material like clay or wax by hand.⁵ It is an additive process, as opposed to the subtractive process of carving.⁵

• Muffle Kiln: A box within a furnace that is used to protect delicate pieces from direct flames or other combustible materials during firing.¹⁸

N

• Neoclassical: A style that emerged in the second half of the 18th century as a reaction to the excesses of Rococo.³ Characterised by straight lines, tapering forms, and a revival of classical motifs like the torch, ribbons, and urns.³

O

• Onyx: A translucent quartz with a shiny finish.³ It is a form of chalcedony with parallel bands of varying colour.⁶

• Ormolu: A French term meaning "ground gold" (or moulu).¹ It refers to the use of gilded bronze, often finely chased, for decorative furniture mounts.¹

• Ottoman: A low, upholstered seat without a back or arms, which can also be used as a footrest and sometimes for storage.¹ The name comes from similar styles found in the Ottoman Empire.¹

• Ovolo Moulding: A classical convex molding that is composed of repeated oval shapes.⁴ It is the opposite of a cavetto moulding.⁴

• Oxidizing / Oxidation: A firing atmosphere in a kiln with ample oxygen.¹⁷ This atmosphere can cause colour changes in the clay or glaze, often resulting in bright, vivid colours.¹⁷ It is the opposite of a reduction firing.¹⁷

• Oyster Veneer: A late 17th-century decorative veneer made from symmetrically arranged cross-sections of small branches or roots from trees like walnut and olive.⁴ The name comes from the grain pattern, which resembles oyster shells.⁴

P

• Pate-sur-pate: A 19th-century porcelain decorating technique that features relief designs created with a semi-liquid white porcelain slip.³

• Patina: A thin layer that forms on the surface of an object due to age, wear, and exposure to atmospheric elements.³⁰ On metal, it is a coating of various chemical compounds, such as the green layer on copper known as verdigris.²⁴ On wood and leather, it is a sheen produced by age and polishing.³⁰ The presence of patina is a visible sign of age and can significantly enhance an object's aesthetic and authenticity.²⁴ Removing or altering it can dramatically reduce an item's value.³⁰

• Parlor Set: A term used to describe a settee with matching chairs.³

• Parquetry: An ornamental veneer technique where veneers are arranged in a geometric pattern.³ It differs from marquetry, which uses veneers to create pictorial patterns.¹

• Pedestal Table: A table that is supported by a single central leg.¹

• Pinchbeck: An 18th-century gold substitute alloy of zinc and copper.⁸

• Plasticity: The quality of clay that allows it to be shaped and to retain its shape without cracking or sagging.¹⁹

• Porcelain: A hard, non-absorbent ceramic material known for its strength and translucence.¹⁸ It is traditionally created from china clay, ball clay, quartz, and feldspar and is fired at a high temperature.¹⁸

• Provenance: The documented chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.¹¹ Provenance can add significant value to an antique, especially if it has a notable history, such as having been owned by royalty or celebrities.¹¹

• Pyrometer: A device used to measure the high temperatures inside a kiln.¹⁹

• Pyrometric Cones: Small triangular cones made of ceramic materials that are compounded to bend and melt at specific temperatures, allowing a potter to determine when the firing is complete.¹⁸

Q

• Quatrefoil: A form of Gothic ornament shaped like four symmetrical leaves.⁴

R

• Raku: A Japanese pottery firing process that involves removing a piece from the kiln while hot and allowing it to cool in the open air or in combustible materials.²²

• Reeding: The convex counterpart to fluting, consisting of parallel lines of rounded molding.¹

• Reduction: A firing atmosphere in a kiln with a reduced amount of oxygen.¹⁷ This lack of oxygen can cause colour changes in the clay or glaze, often producing rich, earthy colours.¹⁷

• Refractory: A material's quality of resisting the effects of high temperatures.¹⁸ Refractory clay is used for making kiln insulation and furniture.¹⁹

• Relief: A form of decoration that is raised from the surface of a material, whether carved, stamped, or molded.⁷

• Renaissance: A style from the period that included many allusions to classical Greece and Rome.³ It is characterised by scrolling foliage, delicate columns, and flowing robed women.³ The French Renaissance style was a translation of the Italian style with its own features.²⁷

• Reproduction: A piece that is not a genuine antique but is made to look old.¹¹ Reproductions can be nearly identical in shape and materials to their older counterparts, with some sellers intentionally weathering them to create an aged appearance.¹¹

• Rococo: A style most characterised by an "absolute abhorrence of straight lines".³ As a reaction to the formality and symmetry of the Baroque style, it features asymmetrical curves, C- and S-scrolls, and delicate ornamental motifs.³ It is an ornamental and theatrical style that often uses gilding, pastel colours, and motifs drawn from nature, such as seashells, foliage, and flowers.¹³

S

• Sconce: A decorative wall bracket for candles or electric lights.³

• Sgraffiato: A decorating technique where a pattern is scratched through a coating of slip to reveal a contrasting colour beneath.³

• Shrinkage: The reduction in the size of a clay body due to water loss during drying and firing.¹⁹

• Sideboard: A large piece of dining-room furniture with a flat top and drawers, used for serving food and storage.¹

• Slip: A liquid suspension of clay and water.¹⁷ It is used for coating, decorating, or joining clay pieces together.¹⁷

• Smalto: An opaque vitreous glass or enamel used to create the tesserae for mosaics.³¹

• Stoneware: A type of ceramic that contains clay that is naturally vitrified.¹⁸ It is fired at higher temperatures than earthenware and has a hard, impervious surface.¹⁷

• Stretcher: A horizontal support that runs between the legs of a chair or table to provide reinforcement and stability.²

• Swag: A Renaissance and Neoclassical motif in the shape of a suspended loop of drapery or a garland of fruit and flowers.⁴

T

• Tambour: A flexible sheet made of thin strips of wood glued to a canvas backing.⁴ It is used to conceal storage areas, such as the curved lids of roll-top desks.⁴

• Tesserae: The tiny pieces of coloured glass, enamel, or stone used to create mosaics, including the miniature mosaics found in jewelry.³¹

• Throwing: The process of shaping pottery by hand on a potter’s wheel.¹⁷

• Toby Jugs: Jugs in the form of a man, who is usually seated.³

• Tole: A term for decorated tinware, which is known as toleware in America.⁴

• Torchère: A portable stand for a lamp or candle.³

• Transitional: A style that represents the transition periods between traditional and modern eras.¹⁶ In modern furniture, it is often used to describe contemporary pieces that feature traditional design elements, such as cabriole legs.¹⁶

• Trestle Table: A table supported by an upright at each end.¹

• Trefoil: A form of Gothic ornament shaped like three symmetrical leaves.²

• Trompe l’oeil: A decorative painting technique with natural shadows designed to "deceive the eye" into believing a decoration is three-dimensional and real.⁴

V

• Veneering: The technique of fixing thin layers of fine wood to the surface of a piece of furniture, which is usually made of a cheaper wood.¹ The process was first used in ancient Egypt and was revived in the 17th century.⁴

• Verre Églomisé: A technique of decorating glass from the reverse with metal foil, usually gold or silver, which is then engraved with a design and backed by coloured pigment.⁴ The technique was known in ancient times but was popularised by the French framer Jean-Baptiste Glomy in the 18th century.³³

• Vintage: A general term for pieces that are at least 20 years old.¹¹

• Vitrification: The process of firing ceramics to the point where the materials fuse and become glass-like and impervious to liquid.¹⁸

• Volute: An ornamental spiral scroll adopted from Ionic capitals in Greek architecture.¹ It is often used as a decorative element on furniture armrests and feet.¹

Essential Tables for Comparative Reference

Table 1: Historical & Regional Ceramics Terminology

This table illustrates the interconnected evolution of tin-glazed earthenware, a single technique that was adopted and adapted across Europe. The different names for this pottery reflect its country and period of production, allowing a professional to precisely place an item within its historical context. The Italian Maiolica tradition, for instance, spread to the Netherlands, where it gave rise to the distinctively blue-and-white Delftware.²

Table 2: Anatomy of a British Silver Hallmark

A hallmark is a compact legal certification of a precious metal's purity and origin. Each mark tells a specific story, and understanding the system allows for a precise valuation. The table below breaks down the four main components of a British hallmark and provides examples of the marks one might encounter. The presence of the lion passant indicates the sterling standard, while the figure of Britannia signals a higher purity used during a specific period.¹⁰ A collector must also be aware that markings like EPNS are not legal hallmarks but rather indicate silver plate, and are sometimes used fraudulently to mislead consumers.²

Table 3: Antiques & Collectibles by Historical Periods

Understanding the timeline of design is crucial for appreciating an object’s form, motifs, and material composition. As one style's principles were perceived as too rigid, new movements emerged as a direct reaction, creating a dialectical progression of design. The grand, symmetrical Baroque gave way to the fluid, intimate Rococo, which was in turn rejected by the disciplined, classical forms of the Neoclassical period. This table provides a chronological framework to contextualize the styles referenced throughout this glossary.

Navigating the Antiques Market: Insights for the Collector

This glossary is the first step in an ongoing educational journey, empowering the reader to move from a casual observer to an informed connoisseur. The ability to correctly identify an object's style and construction is a critical skill, but a professional must also understand the nuances of condition and authenticity, as these factors can have a significant impact on an item's value.

The condition of an antique is often assessed using a general grade—from "Mint" to "Fair/Poor".²⁹ However, a deeper understanding of specific terms is necessary for a truly professional evaluation. For instance, an object in "Excellent" condition may still exhibit craquelure on its painted surface or crazing in its glaze.¹¹ These are often natural and even desirable signs of age, rather than simple defects.¹¹ The presence of patina is a prime example of this complex relationship; it is a visible sign of an object's history and authenticity, and its removal can dramatically reduce an item's value.²⁴ A discerning eye must be able to distinguish between a desirable patina and damage that requires restoration.

Furthermore, a collector must be vigilant in distinguishing between a genuine antique and an imitation. A reproduction may be an honest copy, but a fake or Brummagem piece is a deliberate attempt to deceive.¹¹ In the silver market, some items with the markings "EPNS" or "EPBM" are attempts to mislead consumers into believing the item is solid silver and not merely plated.¹⁰ The concept of provenance is vital in this regard; it is the documented history of an object's ownership, and a clearly documented history can provide crucial verification of an object's authenticity and add significant value, particularly for pieces with a notable past.¹¹

This glossary serves as the foundation for this critical due diligence. By understanding the language of the trade, a collector is better equipped to recognise an object's true history, appreciate its craftsmanship, and make informed decisions about its value.

Works cited

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Reflecting on Verre Eglomise - The Source,  https://thesourceforantiques.wordpress.com/2018/02/13/reflecting-on-verre-eglomise/