FURNITURE GLOSSARY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 379, 13 June 1928, Page 7

FURNITURE GLOSSARY

WHAT DO YOU CALL THAT PIECE?

SECOND SERIES

Cabriole. A cabriole leg is one that

springs from the foot with an inward curve and terminates at the top with an outward one. This type of shaped leg. popular in England toward the end of the 17th

century, came to us from France via Flanders. It is one of the earmarks of Queen Anne’s reign, marks of Queen Anne’s reign.

Canape.—The French equivalent of j our sofa. This piece of furniture, seating four or six persons, became fashionable in France during the last years of the 16th century. The word sofa is of Turkish origin, being the name given to a sort of platform covered with rugs, on which the Grand Vizier sits cross-legged while holding audience. Cant. —Synonym of rake, meaning when applied to furniture the incline or slant of a settee or chair back. Cantonniere. —A bed hanging used in France from the middle of the 16th century on outside the bed curtains to prevent draughts from penetrating at the corners. About 1750 they began to be made of needlework or tapestry and used as window or even door decorations.

Chaise Longue.—French, as its name implies a long chair, a sumptuously comfortable, well-uphostered piece of furniture. ' First used at the very end of the 17th century, where we find Saint-Simon referring to it in his Memoirs. The chaise longue in three parts was known as “chaise longue Duchesse.” With its use went a rich beflowered coverlet to throw over the legs. Chiffonier. —From the French word “chiffons” finery. Narrow high chests of drawers, veneered and often with marble tops, used for stowing papers, jewels or finery. First became fashionable about 1750.