The Assyrian decorative motif came about the same time as the Egyptian motives. The Assyrian motives featured animals such as lion, eagle and bull with wings, and natural forms. The use of wood disappears in the Assyrian motives, but the use of bronze, ivory and gold continues. (Mi)
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Aspen wood is light in colour and weight, has a poor structure and a satiny texture, however is used as a decorative veneer. (Mi)
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Ash referes to a family of trees, which are mostly used in building furniture.
The colour of the European ash varies from honey to medium brown, where as the American ash is a light creamy colour and is dense and heavy. The American ash is usually used as lumber for strength where as the European ashes are used for veneers. (Mi)
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Arts and Crafts, an international design movement that started and grew between 1860 and 1910, continued it’s influence into the 1930. Led by William Morris during the 1860s, the Arts and Crafts movement was inspired by the writings of John Ruskin and Agustus Pugin and started in reaction to the impoverishment of the decorative arts. Starting in the British Isles, the movement eventually spread to Europe and North America. The movement stood for traditional craftsmanship. The Arts and Crafts movement is known to be anti-industrial as it was started as a reaction to the machine-production of styles. (Mi)
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Most popular during 1890 to 1910, Art Nouveau -french for ‘new art’- is philosophy and style of art, architecture and specially decorative arts. Art Nouveau was also considered as the philosophy behind the furniture design that was made as part of everyday life and according to each building itself.
Czech artist, Alphonse Mucha, has a strong influence on the Art Nouveau style. His lithographed poster for an advertisement appeared in Paris 1 January 1985, and his style first became known as the Mucha Style, which later became known as the Art Nouveau Style.
Although Art Nouveau was most popular in Europe, it’s influence was global.
Art Nouveau soon was replaced by 20th century modernist styles, however, it is known to be an important transition between Neoclassicism and modernism.
The characteristics of Art Nouveau are commonly know as geographical, however, in a description by Pan magazine, Art Nouveau is described as ” sudden violent curves generated by the crack of a whip.”
Art Nouveau in the form of architecture includes windows, doors and arches with hyperbolas and parabolas; decorative mouldings that come to be plant forms.
Gaudi is a notable Art Nouveau Architect.
The text above the Paris Metro sign is an Art Nouveau sculpture. (Mi)
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Arrow spindle is a flattened spindle, which resembles an arrow in shape. Can be found in some Sheraton chairs. (Mi)
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An architectural term referring to the edge formed from the intersection of two surfaces in architectural details. (Mi)
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Armoire is a tall storage, or wardrobe with doors. Early on they were only painted and used to store armour but later they were carved with patterns. The Gothic style armoires are grand and heavily decorated with iron locks and hinges. The renaissance brought a different influence in the design of armoires in France. The use of columns, niches and carved panels were seen in the design of the armoires. (Mi)
Gothic Armoire
Bavarian Style Armoire
French Provincial Carved Armoire
Austrian Armoire
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