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

Tablature, Fr. One part of a painted wall or ceiling, forming a single piece or design.

Table, O. E. The ancient meaning of this word was “any level expanded surface,” such as a flat piece of board. A picture was called a table (Latin tabula) as late as the 17th century. (See Tabula.)

Table-base, Arch. A Base moulding, near the ground, immediately over the plinth.

Table Diamond. A gem cut with a flat surface.

Tablementum, Arch. Synonym of Tabula.

Tables, O. E. (1) Backgammon. (2) Ivory writing-tablets, so called, were used in the middle ages in England by people of all ranks:—

“His felaw had a staff tipped with horn,

A pair of tables all of ivory,

And a pointed ypolished fetishly,

And wrote alway the names, as he stood