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

Dragon, Her. A winged monster having four legs. (See Draco.)

Dragon. A short carbine (hence “dragoons”).

Dragon’s Blood. A resinous astringent extract of a deep red colour, used as a colouring ingredient for spirit and turpentine varnishes and paints, &c. The Roman cinnabar was Dragon’s Blood.

Draught (or Drawte) Chamber, O. E. The with drawing room.

Draughts, Game of. (See Dames, Latrunculi.)

Dravid’ha, Hind. A Hindoo temple constructed on an octagonal plan. (See Nagaras, Vimana, Vesara.)

Fig. 271. Dresden milk-jug.

Dresden Porcelain, made at the Royal Manufactory established at Meissen in Saxony in 1709, is most excellent anterior to 1796, since when its ancient perfection has been lost. The mark of the best period is two crossed swords, with a sloped cross or a small circle beneath. The later mark has a star beneath the swords. On rejected pieces the swords were cut across with a line; but the manufactory at the present day counterfeits its old marks. Fig. [271] is a specimen of the best period, later than 1720 and before 1778.