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

Folliculus, R. A leather cap encircling the hole by which an oar protruded from a ship. The term is a diminutive of Follis (q.v.).

Follis, R. A small ball of leather inflated with air, which also went by the name of folliculus; used for a plaything.

Fong-hoang, Chinese. A fabulous bird which is immortal, lives in the highest regions of the air, and only approaches men to announce to them happy events and prosperous reigns. It is easily recognized (on pottery, &c.) by its carunculated head, its neck surrounded by silky feathers, and its tail partaking of the Argus pheasant and the peacock. (Jacquemart.)

Fig. 323. Pompeian fountain.

Fons, Fountain, Gen. In antiquity, natural springs and fountains were objects of religious worship. Fig. [323] represents a Pompeian fountain known as the Fountain of Abundance.

Fig. 324. Baptismal font (Romano-Byzantine).

Font, Chr. The vessel which contains the consecrated water used in the administration of baptism, by sprinkling or aspersion (Fig. [324]), introduced in lieu of the original mode of immersion (Fig. [325]). (Compare Piscina.)