Fig. 627. Star-moulding.
Stars, Star-moulding, Arch. An ornament of the Romano-Byzantine period, in the shape of a star with four rays only. (Fig. [627].) It is met with as a decoration in various mouldings.
Fig. 628. Statera.
Statera, R. A steelyard or Roman balance, of much later invention than the scales called libra. It consisted (Fig. [628]) of a rod or yard (scapa), divided by equidistant points (puncta), and was suspended by means of a handle (ansa) consisting of a hook or chain. The weight (æquipondium) forms a counterpoise to any object suspended from one of the hooks or the scale (lancula). (Fig. [418].) The term is sometimes looked upon as a synonym of Libra (q.v.). It denotes besides (1) a wooden bar or yoke placed across the withers of a pair of horses harnessed to a Bijugus (q.v.); (2) a plate or dish, probably of circular form.
Statuettes. Small statues in bronze or porcelain for the decoration of rooms. For Porcelain Statuary, consult Jacquemart’s History of the Ceramic Art.
Stauracin (Gr. σταυρὸς, a cross) was a silken stuff figured with small plain crosses; hence polystauron, having many crosses.
Steatite or Soapstone. A soft, unctuous, magnesian mineral, used by the Chinese for statuary and decorative purposes.
Steel, Engraving in, was invented during the present century. The process is nearly the same as engraving in copper. (See Chalcography.)
Stega, Gr. and R. (στέγη, i. e. a covering). The deck of a ship; a synonym for Constratum (q.v.).