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| MAIN GLOSSARY | GLOSSARY OF wood | A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z S-SCROLL Decorative motif of scrolls in an s-shape used in the Rococo period. SCAGLIOLA Form of decorative work using semiprecious stones which were ground and applied to a solid stone. A less expensive form of pietre dure. SCONCE (WALL LIGHTS) A lighting fixture that attaches to the wall consisting of candlesticks with or without a mirror or polished back plate to reflect light. SECOND EMPIRE (1852-1870) French period under Napoleon III. A period of artistic ferment and opulence marked in furniture by an over rich mixture of Rococo and Renaissance design. The materials of this period favored dark woods such as mahogany, Brazilian rosewood, darkened pearwood and mother of pearl, tortoiseshell and pewter inlays. Corresponds to the Victorian era in England. SECRETAIRE French term for secretary which is a tall and elegant piece of furniture with an upright cabinet with two doors covering a quite elaborate series of shelves ad small drawers with pull out shelves for candles above a desk with drawers that can be hidden by folding up the writing surface. SEMAINIER A high and narrow chest with six to eight drawers after semaine for ?week? as these pieces sometimes have a drawer for each day of the week. SERPENTINE Waving or undulating surface that is convex at the center and concave at the ends. SERVIETTE PLISEE A linenfold motif or carved motif resembling a folded napkin. SETTECENTO ROCOCO (1740-1775) Italy?s declining wealth and the decline of quality craftsmanship and materials is significant in this period. Expanding nations had the most influence on Italy. Regence and Louis XV influences from France, Queen Anne and early Georgian from England were exaggerated, distorted, often overly designed and adapted. The effect was theatrical, romantic, and charming. Venice alone retained some of the prestige and wealth and led in the production of furniture. Therefore, most Italian Rococo work is described as Venetian. The general scale of furniture was a bit smaller and graceful. Still lavishly decorated, the motifs favor foliage, ribbons, rocks and shells Asymmetry and curved lines were the rule. SGRAFFITO Decoration on pottery made by incising the design through slip applied to the body before glazing. SHAFT The portion of a column between the base and the capital. SHAGREEN The pebbled grey-green skin of sharks and rays. Used since the 17th century for covering small boxes and accessories. SHELLAC A solution of lac in alcohol or acetone. In commerce the name is applied to the resinous substance (lac) itself rather than to the solution. It ranges in color from orange to light yellow depending upon the extent to which it has been purified; the darker shellacs are the less pure. When bleached it is known as white shellac. Applied to surfaces such as wood and plaster, the solution forms a hard coating upon evaporation of the solvent. Lac is the basis of French Polish. SILVER-GILT Silver plated with a thin layer of gold, also vermeil. SOFTPASTE PORCELAIN In Europe a soft paste was made from clay and a compound such as ground glass or bone. This was easier to mold and allowed for more detail in design especially suited for the coming industrial revolution. In the early 1800?s kaolin mixed with ground up bones produced bone china a beautifully white Character. Contaminants such as copper can give soft paste porcelain a greenish color when held up to the light. Soft paste porcelain is granulated inside and will pick up contaminants. SOUPIERE A vase form or urn often used in the Louis XVI and Empire style as the central motif in pedimented tops of beds, chairs and cabinets and at the intersection of stretchers. SPECIMAN MARBLE A type of tabletop composed of a range of ?specimens? of various marbles. Made in Italy, these tops were often acquired as souvenirs of a gentleman?s ?Grand Tour? and would be incorporated into a table or bookcase. SPHYNX A mythological winged animal, half woman and half lion of Egyptian origin. It occurs in all classical schools of architecture and furniture. STERLING STANDARD Silver alloy of finest quality. A standard commonly used in England, composed in proportion 92.5% silver to 7.5% other metal. Materials made from sterling silver were usually taxed and clearly stamped with the origin, the year made and the makers mark. STILE Upright supporting post on a piece of furniture. STRETCHER Cross pieces of wood connecting the legs of chairs. Often forming X, H or Y shapes. STRINGING Thin lines of contrasting wood inlaid around or between veneers. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z  |
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