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

Topaz, Her. In blazoning arms of nobles, the names of gems were sometimes substituted for tinctures; the topaz for gold (Or).

Topes, Hind. Buddhist sepulchral monuments, cone-shaped, and round at the tops, like the dagobs of Ava and Ceylon.

Topiaria (Ars), R. Artificial training of shrubs and trees into fantastic shapes. Painted representations of landscapes on the walls of houses were called Topia. (See Hortus.)

Topiarius, R. A gardener skilled in the Ars Topiaria (q.v.).

Torale, R. (torus, a couch). The hanging valance of a couch.

Torch, R. The emblem of marriage, from the custom of forming wedding processions in the evening by torch-light. Upright, the torch was the emblem of rejoicing; reversed, of death or sleep; hence its application upon funereal monuments.

Torcular, Torculum, R. A wine or oil-press. Hence—

Torcularium, R. The press-room.

Toreador, Sp. A bull-fighter.

Toreuma, Gr. and R. (τόρευμα). Carving upon ivory executed on the lathe.