Furniture of the Olden Time

by Frances Clary Morse

Husk. The form of ornament made from the bell-flower, much used by Hepplewhite.

J

Jacobean. A term applied to furniture of the last quarter of the seventeenth century, although properly it should apply to the period of James I.

Japanning or Lacquering. In the eighteenth century a process copied from the Chinese and Japanese lacquer; in Hepplewhite’s time a method of painting and gilding with a thin varnish.

K

Kas or Kos. A Dutch high case with drawers and doors, made to hold linen, and extending to the floor, from which it was sometimes held up by large balls.

Kettle front or bombé. A form of chest of drawers or secretary, in which the lower drawers, toward the base, swell out in a curve.

Knee. The term applied to the upper curve, next the body, of a bandy leg.

Knee-hole desk. A desk with a table top, and an open space below with drawers at each side.