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

Fig. 445. Marra.

Marra, R. A kind of hoe with indented teeth, used for tearing up weeds. (Fig. [445].)

Mars Brown. A brown pigment.

Mars (Reds, &c.). Calcined earths of which the brightness of the redness is regulated by the duration of the roasting.

Fig. 446. Teapot of Marseilles faience.

Marseilles Faience. This ancient city has at all times been celebrated in the ceramic arts. Fig. [446] gives a representative specimen of modern polychrome work, decorated with flowers easily recognized by the disposition of their long stalks. These flowers are, in other specimens, accompanied by marine landscapes. Other polychrome services are called from their designs “services aux insectes.”

Marsupium, R. (μαρσύπιον). A purse for containing money; it was made of leather and shaped like a pear, being confined at the top with a string. (Hence the adjective marsupial applied to the kangaroo, &c.)

Martel de Fer, Med. A weapon which had at one end a pick, and at the other a hammer, axe-blade, half-moon, mace-head, or other fanciful termination. (Meyrick.)