Illustrated Architecture Dictionary ................................ Illustrated
FURNITURE Glossary
Lion head / Lion's paw foot
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Illustrated Architecture Dictionary ................................ Illustrated
FURNITURE Glossary
Lion head / Lion's paw foot
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Lion
The "king of the beasts," and always a favorite animal symbol in furniture , interiors, art, and architecture.
Egypt: In ancient Egypt, the lion was associated with water and was usually shown at rest, carved with a formalized rufflike mane.
Greek and Roman period: The lion was the symbol of the fallen hero, and was also used as the guardian of gates, temples, and public buildings.
- Sarcophagus - Roman Agora, Athens, Greece
Christian art: Lion used to represent the Redeemer, and in medieval heraldry and in current seals, flags, shields, etc., the lion often is used as a symbol of strength, courage, and royalty.
Miscellaneous:
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Judaism: From ancient times to the present, the "Lion of Judah" has been one of the most popular symbols of the Jewish people. The tribe of Judah is inextricably linked with this symbol (David, a descendant of Judah, is identified with the lion, as is the Davidic monarchy and the Messiah who will spring from this royal house). Standing, reclining or leaping, they are almost always in harmonious pairs, by contrast with other animals that are depicted in a state of struggle. During the last two centuries, lions on Jewish ceremonial art are generally portrayed carrying the Tablets
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Lion with Ten Commandments
Lion headA carved representation of a lion's bead is used on furniture and in architecture.
The head served as a scupper (water spout) on ancient classic temples, and was often used as a knocker or handle on Gothic and Renaissance doors and cabinets.
It also functioned as a holder at the end of a swag or festoon.
- Illustration above: Corbel - Webb Building
- Scupper - Albright-Knox Art Gallery
- Scupper - Guaranty Building
- Empire mantel clock - Amherst Museum
- Sarcophagus - Louvre Museum, Paris, France
- Sarcophagus - Roman Agora, Athens, Greece
- Scuppers - Museum, Olympia, Greece
Lion's paw footThe carved representation of a furry paw at the end of a furniture leg.
Appeared in early Greek and Roman furniture, and found in French, English, and Italian Renaissance designs.
A prime decorating motif in 18th-century English furniture. Popularized by Thomas Chippendale.
- Illustration above - Furniture: Hofmobileliendepot Imperial Furniture Collection,Vienna, Austria
- Furniture: Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site
- Furniture: Edward Harvey House. 91 Jewett Parkway
- Furniture: Pier table (Console table) - Athenaeum, Philadelphia
- Furniture: Empire klismos side chair - Private collection, Buffalo, NY
- Furniture: Empire cornucopia sofa photo detail - L. & J. Gotro collection ...... LARGER size
- Empire newel post - Livingston- Backus House, Genesee Country Village, & Museum
- Sarcophagus - Louvre Museum, Paris, France
Lion PeriodThe period from 1720 to 1735 in England when carved lions' masks on the knees of cabriole legs and the arms of chairs and settees, and lion's paws on furniture feet were the most popular motif.
