Tynes, Scotch. (1) Branches of a stag’s antlers. (2) Teeth of a harrow.
Tyrian Purple. An ancient dye of a brilliant colour, obtained from shells of the murex and purpura.
U.
U. The letter repeated so as to mark the feathering upon tails of birds, is a peculiarity of Sicilian silks.
Udo, R. A sock made of goat-skin, or felt.
Ulna, R. A measure of length, subdivision of the foot measure.
Ultramarine or Lapis Lazuli (azurrum transmarinum). A beautiful blue pigment obtained from lazulite, highly esteemed by early painters. In consequence of the costliness of this pigment its use in a picture was regulated by special contract, and it was either supplied or paid for by the person who ordered the picture. Lely has recorded that he paid for his as much as 4l. 10s. the ounce. The pigment is now artificially compounded. (Cf. Guimet’s U.)
Umbella, Umbraculum, R. (umbra, shade). An umbrella, made to open and shut like those of modern times. It is represented on vases held by a female slave over the head of her mistress. (See also Umbrellas.)
Umber. A massive mineral pigment used by painters as a brown colour, and to make varnish dry quickly. Raw umber is of an olive brown, which becomes much redder when burnt. (See Ochres.)
Umbilici, R. (lit. navels), were the ornamental bosses which projected from each end of the staff round which a volume of papyrus or parchment (liber) was rolled. They were also called cornua, and geminæ frontes. (See Liber.)