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

Myth, Gen. (μῦθος, lit. that which is spoken). The name given to obscure traditions handed down from remote antiquity, antecedent to written or precise history; opposed to legendary record (which can be read).

N.

Nablia, Nablum. A stringed musical instrument; a kind of cithara in the shape of a semicircle.

Nacre, Fr. Mother-of-pearl, the iridescent inner lining of the pearl mussel or oyster.

Nacreous Shells. Iridescent shells. Several kinds are used for manufactures, as some species of Meleagrina, Turbo, Nautili, &c.

Nadir (Arab. nadhir, opposite). The part of the heavens directly under our feet; opposite to the Zenith.

Nænia. (See Nenia.)

Naga, Malay. Jars with the figure of a dragon traced on them.

Naga Architecture (Hind. naga, a poisonous snake). Temples dedicated to the worship of the seven-headed snakes are found in Cashmere, remarkable for their identity of style with the Grecian Doric, unlike anything found in any other part of India. [Consult Fergusson, History of Architecture, ii. 703–732.]

Nagara. A Hindoo name for a music-gallery in front of the Jain temples.