An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology / Explaining terms frequently used in works on architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, decoration, devices, emblems, heraldry, lace, personal ornaments, pottery, painting, sculpture, &c., with their derivations.

by John W. Mollett

Degradation, Gen. The diminishing of the tones of colour, light, and shade, according to the different degrees of distance. (A term used especially in reference to glass painting.)

Degreed, Degraded, Her. Placed on steps.

Deice, Deas, or Deis, O. E. (See Dais.)

Deinos, Gr. A vessel with a wide mouth and semi-spherical body, something like the cacabus.

Delf. Common pottery from Delft in Holland.

Fig. 240. Oil cruet, Delft ware.

Delft Faiences are remarkable for the beauty of their paste and of their enamel, but spurious imitations are said to be abundant. Fig. [240] is a representative specimen of the real Delft ware. The date of the establishment of this manufacture is uncertain, but earlier than 1614; the ornamentation is inspired by Japanese art. (Consult Jacquemart’s History of the Ceramic Art.)

Delia, Gr. Festivals and games at Delos.

Delphica (sc. cortina), R. A table of a very costly description, made of white marble or bronze. It was used as a drinking-table, and had only three feet richly ornamented. [Explained under the heading Cortina.]