Biedermeier

A style of furniture produced in Austria and Germany during the first half of the 19th century. Inspired by French Empire and German painted peasant work. The name was borrowed from an imaginary cartoon character called Papa Biedermeier, an uneducated country gentlemen who considered himself a connoisseur of fine and industrial arts. Simple marquetry patterns were used with pressed brass ornaments of Greek inspiration as well as painted motifs of wreaths, urns, and floral, animal and human forms. Woods used were mainly fruitwoods, maple, mahogany and birch.

Pedestal

A tall, narrow base which supports a statue, lamp, vase or any decorative object. Usually treated with moldings at the top and a base block on the bottom. Without moldings it is called a plinth.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a straight grained hard wood with silky texture, ranging in color from dark brown to red. Furniture made from mahogany became popular in Britain from Mid-18th Century on, spreading throughout Europe.

Apron

A structural support placed at right angles to the underside of a shelf, chair seat, or table top to provide additional weight bearing strength and often decorative flourishes.