Illustrated Architecture Dictionary
Illustrated Architecture Dictionary
Dog-tooth molding
1. A medieval and and derivatives chiseled ornament consisting of four leaflike projections (petals) radiating from a raised center.2. A brick laid with its corners projecting from the wall face.
Early English [1189-1309] - The dog-tooth ornament in hollow mouldings was used in great profusion and the chisel replaced the axe of the Early Noman period. - p. 458. Online, p. 341
Early English [1189-1309] - Mouldings are bold and deeply undercut... The chiselled dog-tooth succeeded the axed nailhead of the Norman period [1066-1189] and gives a play of light and shade to deeply cut hollow mouldings. - p. 452. Online, p. 341
The pattern consists of four flower petals forming a square or diamond shape with a central element. The petals have the form of the pointed conical canine tooth, eye tooth or cuspid...
The term has been supposed to originate in a resemblance to the dog tooth violet [Illustrations], but the original idea of a projecting tooth is a sufficient explanation.
- Wikipedia 11/10
Examples from Buffalo architecture:
- Illustration above: A History of Architecture on the Comparative Method, by Sir Banister-Fletcher, New York, 1950 Online, p. 348
- Delaware Avenue Baptist Church Mosaic
