Knee-Hole Writing-Table

A table usually with a single row of drawers under the top facing the sitter, supported by a double set of drawers or cupboards with knee-hole between. It was first made in England in the Queen Anne period. It is sometimes called a pedestal-table.

Knife-Boxes Or Urns

Ornamental features in vase-like form resting on the tops of the pedestals at the ends of an Adam side-table, used to hold hot water to wash the table silver and cutlery, or iced water for drinking, or as a receptacle for knives, forks and spoons. When the sideboard invented by Shearer, and perfected by Hepplewhite and Sheraton, containing drawers, cupboards and cellaret, came into general use, these urns were no longer made ; but ornamental knife and spoon boxes with slant tops and other forms were often used on the sideboard. Sheraton informs us that "Knife-cases were not made by regular cabinet shops, but by one who makes them his main business."

Knob Or Ball Turning

A form of turning popular in the seventeenth century, having the appearance of a series of knobs or balls, and giving a look of lightness to chair legs and stretchers. The feature gradually gave way to the Portuguese spiral turning, which became a vogue in Restoration times.

Knob

See Handle.

Knop

An old form of the word "knob" still employed in descriptions of silver articles.

Laburnum (Cytisus Laburnum)

A hard wood of yellow to reddish-brown colour taking a good polish, much used in the early Queen Anne period for inlays and veneering.

Lac

A resinous substance formed on trees growing in Asia by an insect (Coccas lacca). This substance, after treatment, becomes the shellac used in the preparation of the best varnishes.

Lace Box

A small square or oblong flat box which became popular about the end of the seventeenth century, for the keeping of lace. Lace boxes were often adorned with marquetry.

Lacquer

A natural varnish, renowned for its wonderful lustre, the exudation of the gum trees of China, and of the Japanese lacquer tree (Rhus verni-cifera). The sap of these trees hardens quickly and it can be used only on the spot. Huygens, a Dutchman living towards the end of the seventeenth century, is credited with being the first successful imitator in Europe of Oriental lacquer; but similar methods were soon adopted in England, and books were written describing how lacquer was made and used. Probably the best imitation was the renowned "Vernis-Martin" made by Simon Etienne Martin in Paris, for which the French Government gave him and his family a monopoly for many years from 1730. Shellac is the basis of all varnish entitled to be called lacquer. Before japanning became a commercial process, that term was synonymous with lacquering.

Lacquer-Work

Articles covered with a lacquer surface on which designs on the flat or in relief are drawn in gold or colour. The origin of the work is remote, but the Chinese at the end of the fifteenth century and the Japanese later, were found to be masters of the work. Chests, screens, and other examples of Oriental work were imported into England from Tudor times, and became increasingly popular during the seventeenth century. Large quantities reached Europe through the Dutch and the East India Company (founded 1600), but the supply failing to meet the demand, the work was imitated by Europeans, including Englishmen, with marked success. Much lacquer furniture was made in England in the reign of William and Mary, and it continued to be fashionable until the close of the Chippendale period, when its vogue declined.