Tea-Kettle Stand

One of the many small tripod central-pillar tables made in the Chippendale period. In this case the table-top was usually furnished with a gallery round the edge.

Teapoy (A Hindustanee Word Meaning Tripod)

A small low table usually of the tripod class, but occasionally four-legged, first made in the middle of the eighteenth century, with a lifting top under which were deposited in compartments the silver or china caddies which held the black and green tea. It was, in effect, a large tea-caddy or tea-chest on legs. The receptacles themselves were sometimes termed "teapoys."

Tea-Table

See Tea.

Tea-Tray

See Tray.

Teak

A hard, very durable and expensive wood of a dark brown colour, chiefly used in building and occasionally for furniture.

Telamones

The Roman name for male human figures employed as columns or pilasters to support a superstructure, the Greek name being Atlantes, or if they were female figures, Caryatides.

Tenon

The end of one piece of wood shaped to fit into a corresponding cavity, called the mortise, in another piece. When fitted together a peg was usually driven through the joint to prevent a separation.

Term

A pedestal, generally tapering towards the base, to support a bust, etc. In architecture the word sometimes includes both the bust and pedestal. The Romans used them as termini or landmarks.

Terminal Figures

The name given to human figures, natural or grotesque, half human and half monster, often carved in high relief, and used to decorate prominent features on important pieces of furniture.

Tester (0. Fr. Testiere, A Head-Piece)

The name given to the flat wooden canopy, often of great weight, panelled and carved, which formed the roof to the ponderous fourpost bedstead of the wealthy in Tudor and Stuart periods. Towards the end of the eighteenth century, the wooden tester began to be replaced by a canopy of upholstery, and by the time of Hepplewhite it had shrunk to a mere cornice of sufficient strength to sustain the valances and curtains.

Therm Foot

A rectangular tapering foot to the legs of chairs and tables, also called a spade or taper foot, often used by the brothers Adam and Hepplewhite, and to a lesser degree by Sheraton.

Therm Leg

The taper or therm leg was a favourite feature of Hepplewhite and later designers. See Therming.

Therming

A process in use towards the end of the eighteenth century, before circular and band saws were invented, by which the legs of chairs and tables were thermed or tapered, by means of a lathe provided with a cylinder about six feet in diameter, on which the legs were placed and turned down one side at a time. The trade prices for therming are given in "The Cabinet-Maker's Book of Prices," 1792. See Saws.

Pierre Philippe Thomire (1751-1843)

A renowned French metal chaser, said to have been the pupil of Gouthiere, but in any case a worthy contemporary. His specialities were plaques with figures in low relief, gods and goddesses, caryatides, etc., in the round for decorating furniture. Much of his work is associated with the Empire period.