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

Fac-simile (from Latin factum, made, and simile, like). A perfectly exact copy.

Factorium (sc. vas), R. A vessel containing exactly a factum, or quantity of grapes or olives proper to be placed under the press (torcular) at one factum or making.

Faculæ, R. Little torches.

Fig. 301. Faenza sweetmeat-dish.

Faenza. A manufacture of pottery considered by some writers to be the most ancient in Italy. Garzoni, writing in 1485, says, “The majolicas of F. are white and polished, and one can no more confound them with those of Treviso, than one would take puff-balls for truffles.” Vincenzo Lazari says they are distinguished by the softness of the tints, the correctness of the drawing, and the whiteness of the enamel at the back. For a long and interesting account of this most important botega, see Jacquemart, Hist. of the Ceramic Art. The name of Fayence is derived from Faenza, and not from the little town of Fayence in France. (Fig. [301].)

Faience. (See Fayence.)

Fairy Butter, O. E. (1) A fungous excrescence about the roots of trees, and (2) a species of tremella found on furze and broom are so called.

Fairy Circles. Circles of coarse green grass common in meadows, and attributed to the dancing of the fairies.

Fairy Dances = Fairy Circles (q.v.).