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| MAIN GLOSSARY | GLOSSARY OF wood | A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z HALLMARK Official mark impressed on silverwork or goldwork by an assay office or gild to signify official approval of the standard of purity of the metal, also called plate mark. The hallmark was introduced by statute in England in 1300 and enforced by the Goldsmiths' Hall, London. Similar marks, many of them unofficial, were used on the Continent and in America. Other marks used on plate include one for the place of assay; a date mark, usually a letter; the maker's touch, at first a symbol, later his initials or name; a duty mark, to signify payment of a tax; and the artisan's mark. Marks have also been used on plated ware, baser metals, and pottery. The official mark struck on a piece of gold or silver by an assay office or guild as a guarantee of its standard of purity. HARDPASTE PORCELAIN The two natural substances used are kaolin, also known as china clay, a white clay free of impurities found in unique river beds that melts only at very high temperature, and a feldspar mineral called petuntse that forms a glassy cement, binding the vessel permanently. True Chinese porcelain is hard paste and has been potted thinly and is translucent and shiny as a piece of glass. HUGUENOT A French Protestant, follower of John Calvin. The forced exile of this dissident group of Protestants from France during the reign of King Louis XIV (1685), when the Edict of Nantes was revoked due to pressure by the French Catholic clergy, created an exodus to more religiously tolerant societies, notably England, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and America. Many of the expelled Huguenots were talented craftsmen, which helped spread French styles and techniques throughout the world. In 1787, Louis XVI allowed the Huguenots tolerance. A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z  |
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Urban Chateau is a San Francisco Antique Store that specializes in Fine Period French and Italian Antique Furniture and French and Italian Antique Works of Art. Contact Us - tsgross@urbanchateau.com - Terms of Use - Purchase Agreement ® Urban Chateau is a registered trademark in the United States. All rights reserved. Send web site feedback to: webmaster@urbanchateau.com |