Glossary of Terms,
Antique Furniture
E
Early American:
Furniture of Early American, reflecting many European influences, but chiefly
English. Name also applied to current interpretations of American Colonial
design.
Easy Chair:
Less frequently-used term for lounge chair.
Eclecticism:
In design, the free or rigid adaptation and/or combination of forms and
decorations from various countries and periods.
Egg-And-Dart:
An ornamented molding in which an egg shape alternates with a dart. Also
referred to as egg-and-anchor or egg-and-tongue.
Empire(French
1804-1815):
Napoleonic style based on classic Greek, Roman, and Egyptian forms;
simple in line, rich in the use of materials.
Enamel:
A paint used as overglaze, made of finely ground pigments and varnish. A hard,
glossy wood finish is achieved through brushing and rubbing.
End Table:
A small table used at the end of a sofa.
Endive:
A carved leaf motif.
English Regency:
The English version of the French Empire, this period (1793-1830) reflected the
general European interest in antiquity and return to classic forms, rich
ornamentation. Furniture was small-scaled, well-proportioned;
combining curves and straight lines.
Entasis:
Slight swelling of a column at the middle designed to overcome the optical
illusion of hollowness that appears in a perfecting straight column.
Escutcheon: A fitting over a keyhole
or the back plate of a handle. They are usually of metal, but sometimes ivory,
bone, or inlaid veneers.
Etagere:
Whatnot;
a series of shelves supported by columns, used to display curios.
Evolute:
Recurrent wave scroll used to decorate friezes and bands. Opposite direction of
involute.
