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

Plaque, Fr. A flat plate of metal or painted china. Limoges enamels of the 15th century are described as plaques.

Plasm. A mould or matrix.

Plasma. A green transparent chalcedony found in India and China.

Plaster of Paris. The cement or plaster obtained from gypsum, originally prepared near Paris. It is usually sold in the form of white powder, and is largely used in the arts. Verrocchio (1435–1488) is said to have been the first sculptor to cast moulds in plaster of Paris. (See Gypsum.)

Plastic Art. Sculpture; opposed to Graphic Art, or painting, &c.

Plastron, Fr. A fencing-pad to cover the body. Plastron-de-fer was an iron breastplate worn under the hauberk, especially when the latter was of ringed mail.

Plat-band. (See Tænia.)

Plata, Sp. Silver (hence our plate).

Plate, Her. A silver roundle.

Plate armour, consisting entirely of metal plates, became general during the 15th century.