Relief, Relievo

See Carving.

Replica

The words "replica" and "copy" are often used synonymously, but in regard to furniture at least, the former word has a more limited sense. A copy may be good or bad, but a bad copy could not be called a "replica." See Reproductions.

Repousse Or Chasing

The art of forming a design in relief on metal, by hammering from behind. A similar effect on wood is obtained by carving, and is called "nulling." When the nulling forms an edging or ruffle ornament it is called a gadroon.

Reproductions

Reproductions of period furniture fall into the following classes : Replicas where faithful copies are made of the form, workmanship and ornamentation of the originals without intention to deceive ; copies or imitations of excellent models made for legitimate commercial purposes of good or inferior workmanship; and counterfeits, spurious pieces, or "fakes" made to deceive; or genuine pieces or parts so altered or amalgamated as to deceive, and to be sold at high prices as genuine and original pieces. The "fake" class is divided by Mr. R. W. Symonds ("The Present State of Old English Furniture," 1921) into four kinds in somewhat the following manner : Pieces of entirely new construction; genuine old pieces combined with new construction made to look like old ; plain genuine old pieces to which carving is added in imitation of period carving; and original pieces enriched with parts from other genuine period pieces.

Restoration Chair

A typical high-backed cane-panelled chair of the Carolean period, with spiral turned legs and uprights, and a carved cresting representing a crown supported by cherubs, acanthus leaves, and roses. The design was often repeated on the front stretcher.

Revocation Of The Edict Of Nantes

See Nantes.

Ribbon-Back

A somewhat incongruous but beautiful design in carved wood, representing puckered ribbons tied in bows, forming the splat of a chair or settee. It was introduced from France in the middle of the eighteenth century, and Chippendale produced some of his masterpieces in this style. In the "Director" he refers to it as the "Ribband-Back Chair."

Jean Francois Riesener (1735-1806)

The most famous French ebonist and chaser of his period. He was born at Gladbach, near Cologne, was apprenticed to Oeben in Paris when young, and helped him to make the " Bureau du Roi" now in the Louvre. After the death of Oeben in 1765, he finished the bureau, which had been nine years in the making, and signed it with his own name in 1769. In the meantime, in 1767, he had married Oeben's widow. During the latter part of his life he confined himself almost entirely to the work of an ebonist, and made some of the finest French furniture in existence for the Court and wealthy patrons. During the Revolution he fell upon hard times, and died a ruined man.

Rim

A term sometimes used for the border, edge, or gallery round a table-top, etc., either moulded, carved, or fretted. Rims were very often used on the tripod tables of Chippendale.