Antique Furniture Glossary: Part II C
By Silas FinchThis is part two of a series of glossaries intended to instruct the novice or even experienced collector on some of the terms in common, or uncommon, use. I say uncommon because many of the most useful and detailed resource books available to antique furniture buyers are ones long out of print and sitting on the shelves of a local library. These old books often contain archaic words no longer in general use, making a glossary essential to mining the precious data within them.
Cabinet Stand A decorative stand intended to support and improve the appearance of a trunk, chest, or cabinet. Usually the supported chest would sit within a rim of the stand making them appear to be one piece of furniture.
Cabochon An ornamental carving found on Rococo period chairs, tables, and other legged pieces. The design is carved onto the legs and resembles a gemstone or similar polished stonework.
Cabriole A furniture leg that has been carved into a doubly curved elongated 'S' shape. Often the cabriolet leg will end with scrollwork or curved broadening foot. The style exploded into popularity towards the end of the 17th century. The word is derived from a root that mean goat, presumably the curved legs are thought to resemble the animal's.
Campaign Furniture Portable furniture occupies a place of special interest to many antique collectors. Almost exclusively military in nature, campaign furniture are tables, chairs, desks, that either collapse or are easily disassembled. Back in the day officers didn’t believe in sharing their men's hardships and carried a good deal of home where ever they went.
Candle Board A shelf attached to the bottom of many 18th century English tables. The shelf was intended to hold a candlestick, keeping it from obstructing the view of fellow dinners. The shelf could be moved beneath the table when not in use.
Candle Stand A small tripod table primarily used to hold candlesticks but could serve for other purposes.
Cane Introduced to Western furniture during the 17th century, cane is rattan woven to form the backs of chairs and similar purposes.
Canterbury A table with vertical slotted racks on the top. Originally intended to hold sheet music they are commonly used as magazine racks.
Carcass The framework or central body of a cabinet, chest, or trunk.
Carlton Desk The most famous desk associated with the early 19th century. A standard form would include a small row of drawers beneath the top and a bank of small drawers on the top set against the back of the desk. At the time primarily considered a woman's desk.
Cartouche A decorative addition to many periods of antique furniture. Normally it depicts an unrolling scroll displaying a coat of arms or similar insignia. The practice developed from Italian Renaissance architecture.
Chair Bed The 18th century English version of the hide-a-bed. Chair beds, as the name implies, are chairs that are built with an attachment that turns into a bed. Sometimes the extra piece was detachable while in other examples it involves a ingenious folding mechanism.
Chintz Printed cotton material used for small drapery and other decorative purposes.
Classic Style Any piece of furniture made in imitation of the styles, or at least perceived styles, of ancient Greece or Rome. Various periods of history, most famously the Renaissance but also the French Empire and Colonial America, have been fascinated with antiquity and sought to bring the glory of ancient Rome to their dinner tables.
Cleat A strip of wood added to a piece of furniture to protect a leg from warping at to add additional support for the frame.
Confidante A couch or settee built with additional chairs attached to either one or both ends. Most commonly found in 18th century French furniture.
Cottage Furniture Furniture built by individuals outside of the mainstream of furniture makers. Usually the pieces are unique and dependent more on function than form. Examples of cottage furniture exist from nearly every antique furniture period.
Courting Mirror in 18th century America it was common for gentlemen callers to present the object of their affection with a small wooden framed mirror. The glass would be protected with a moveable cover that was usually artfully decorated.
Posted on July 31st, 2006
Silas Finch is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Collectible Antiques Etc. He can be reached at Content and Solutions or by email at silas@collectibleantiquesetc.com.