Antique Furniture, House Furniture

Art Nouveau (1910-1930)

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May 2, 2013

On May 2, 2013

The Art Nouveau style is a naturalistic style characterized by intricately detailed patterns and curving lines.

Appearance

Heavily Ornamented – Elaborate ornamentation.(Art Nouveau style shown)

Chair Arms

	Curved – Arms curved outward.
	Outward Flare – Arms have slight outward curve.

Chair Back Material

	Upholstered – Cushioned and fabric covered.
	Wood – Solid wood, horizontal slats, vertical slats, or vertical splats.

Chair Back Shape

	Balloon – Balloon-shaped chair back, rounded at the top and tapering to the seat.
	Bentwood – Curved pieces of wood.
	Top Rail – Simple, flat horizontal top rail.

Chair Leg

	Round – Round, usually shaped or turned leg.
	Square – Flat surfaced leg on all sides.
	Straight – Straight leg, vertical to chair seat.
	Tapered – Straight leg gradually decreasing in width.

Chair Seat Material

	Cane – Woven rattan.
	Upholstered – Cushioned and covered with fabric.
	Wood – Various types of wood.

Chair Seat Shape

	Curved – Circular or rounded seat.
	Horseshoe – Horseshoe shaped seat with a rounded front.
	Square – Square shaped seat.

Drawer Pull

Rectangular Plate with Bail – Rectangular back plate of solid stamped brass, often with canted corners and an oval bail handle. The size varies from 3 to 4 inches wide to 2 to 2.5 inches high.

Fabric

	Brocade – Rich, heavily woven fabric with a raised design, often with gold or silver thread.
	Damask – Medium weight, glossy fabric with a reversible pattern and a figured intricate weave, often of linen, cotton, silk, or wool.
	Leather – Material made from the tanning of animal hides.
	Linen – Fabric made from the fiber of the flax plant.
	Mohair – Fabric made from the angora goat.
	Tapestry – Heavy weight fabric with decorative designs.
	Velvet – Woven pile fabric that is soft and sturdy, often made of silk with blends of cotton, nylon, and rayon.

Finish

	Lacquer – Tough, adherent finish which can be clear or pigmented.
	Oil Varnish – Clear finish that emphasized the grain of the wood.
	Paint – Opaque, pigmented finish that obscures the grain of the wood.

Foot

Continuation of leg – Leg does not terminate into a foot.

Hardware Material

	Brass – Yellowish metal made from copper and zinc.
	Chrome – Grayish-white metal made from chromium.

Joint

Dovetail – An interlocking wood joint in which a series of wedge-shaped projections fits into a series of alternating grooves.

Line

	Cyma or S-Curve – S-shaped curve, partly concave and partly convex.
	Slight Curve – Gently curving lines.

Motif

	Floral – Flowers.
	Foliage – Leaves or vines.
	Tulip – Cup-shaped flower.

Ornamentation

	Carving – Cutting or chipping the surface of wood to create a shape or design.
	Inlay – Contrasting material set into the surface of wood to create a shape or design.
	Marquetry – Combinations of veneer used to create pictures or patterns.

Proportion

Medium – Moderate dimensions.(Queen Anne style shown)

Underbracing

Moderate – Moderately proportioned stretchers.(William and Mary style shown)

Wood

	Beech – Light brown American hardwood with a flecked grain.
	Black Walnut – Dark brown American hardwood with a wide range of figures.
	Mahogany – Red-brown South American and African hardwood.
	Oak – Gray-brown American hardwood.