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

Nahinna. A Persian manufacture of majolica. The Comte de Rochechouart says that the ancient faience of Persia is as admirable as the modern is detestable, though it retains a degree of oriental elegance.

Naiad. A water-nymph.

Nail. In cloth measure, 2¼ inches.

Nail-head Moulding, Arch. An ornament formed by a series of projections resembling round or angular nail-heads.

Nainsook, Hind. A thick sort of jaconet muslin.

Naipes, Sp. Playing-cards. The word is supposed to be derived from the initials of Nicolao Pepin, the inventor. (Diccionario de la Lengua Castellana.) Hence the Italian naibi.

Naked Flooring, Arch. The timber-work which supports a floor.

Namby-pamby. Affectedly pretty. The term originated in criticism of an English poet of the 17th century—Ambrose Phillips.

Nancy Biscuit. A peculiar porcelain made at Nancy. The faïencerie was established in 1774 by Nicolas Lelong.

Nankeen. A buff-coloured cotton cloth, introduced from the province of Nankin, in China.