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

Zema, Gr. and R. (ζέμα). A vessel of earthenware or metal, a saucepan.

Zemzemeeyeh, Arabic. A skin for carrying water in the desert.

Zend-Avesta, Pers. “The Word of Life” or “Living Word.” The sacred book of the Parsees; it consists of two parts, one of which is written in Zend, the other in Pehloi and Parsee. The first part is called Vendidad-Salé, and the second Boundehech.

Zenith. The centre of the arch of the sky overhead. (Cf. Nadir.)

Zephyr Yarn is the dyed worsted thread usually known as Berlin wool.

Zeuxite. A gem. (See Tourmaline.)

Zigzag, Arch. One of the mouldings frequently used in Norman architecture, running in zigzag lines. (See Fig. [488].) Fig. [123] is an illustration of a variety of this ornament on a column. Zigzig mouldings in connexion with pointed arches are characteristic of the transition period of architecture, from the Norman to the Early English, frequently called chevron.

Fig. 704. Duchess of Parma in richly embroidered robes and zimarra.

Zimarra. An Oriental robe, called in England also Samare. Described as a lady’s jacket: “it has a loose body and four side laps or skirts, which extend to the knee; the sleeves short, cut to the elbow, turned up and faced.”—Randle Holme.