Illustrated Architecture Dictionary .................... Illustrated FURNITURE Glossary

Cornucopia
KOR na KOH pee a - nya

Also called horn of plenty


1. A goat's horn overflowing with fruit, flowers and grain, signifying prosperity.

2. A cone-shaped ornament or receptacle

Greek mythology: The horn of the goat that suckled Zeus, which broke off and became filled with fruit. In folklore it became filled with whatever its owner desired.

As a decorative motif, popular in the Renaissance, Empire and Victorian periods.

Cornucopia sofa: An English Regency sofa (circa 1820), with scrolled arms carved in the form of a cornucopia. The sofa back and legs repeat this motif. The foot was often a lion's paw. Also appeared in American Empire furniture.


Examples from Buffalo:


Photos and their arrangement © 2011 Chuck LaChiusa
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