San Francisco Antiques - Urban Chateau - Our glossary of Antique Terminology

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| MAIN GLOSSARY | GLOSSARY OF wood |
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VENEER
Thin sheets of wood used as a decorative face over the carcass of fine antique furniture. The thin leaf of wood is applied with animal glue to the solid wood base. Veneering executed in inlaid sheets is known as marquetry. The art of veneer developed with early civilization and reappeared in Europe in the 17th century. It produces richly grained effects and is used also on structural parts that must be cut with the grain for strength. The grain pattern varies with the direction of the cut, woods cut across the grain in general display more effective patterns. Burlwood, olivewood, bird's-eye maple. rosewood, satinwood, maple, walnut, and mahogany are frequently employed for veneers. Hand-cut veneers were 1/10 to 1/8 in. thick (as compared to the modern machine-cut sheets that began in the 19th century that are rarely thicker than 1/32 in) provide an immediate clue to the age of a piece.

VERDURE
Of or relating to a style of Belgium 16th Century and later tapestries consisting of a vegetation and floral design reflecting a lush green color.

VERNI MARTIN
A varnish process invented by the Martin brothers in France during the reign of Louis XIV. It had great brilliance and depth.

VET
To subject to thorough examination or evaluation. With regard to antiques: to carefully study a piece to determine its period, style, material, quality, authenticity and design appeal.

VETRO A FILI
A Venetian technique for decorating glass with opaque white or colored threads of glass embedded in clear glass without crossing.

VETRO A RETICEL
A Venetian technique for decorating glass with opaque white or colored threads of glass embedded in clear glass in a criss-cross pattern forming a lattice network.

VETRO A RETORTI
A Venetian technique for decorating glass with twisted threads of opaque or colored threads of glass embedded in clear glass.

VOLUTE
A spiral scroll-like ornament such as that used on an Ionic capital. From Italian voluta, from Latin volvere, to turn or roll.

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