The Greek Style was of Asiatic origin, but soon freed itself from the early, stiff hieratic forms. The richness of Oriental color remained in the textiles and furniture; and Greek form and ornament formed the principal inspiration for many later styles. Wood was used for household furniture; and the surfaces of the luxurious objects were variously ornamented with designs of animal groups, mythological scenes and floral devices, carved, painted and gilded. The wooden furniture of the Greeks has all perished and only the bronze tables, tripods, chairs and beds remain.

The characteristic motives of Greek ornament are the fret, zigzag, wave-scroll, echinus (called also the horsechestnut, or egg-and-tongue), guilloche, patera (or rosette) and anthemion (or honeysuckle). The Greeks also used the sphynx, griffin, triton and chimsera in decoration; but these mythological animals occur far more frequently in Roman work.

Egyptian Chairs

Greek Chairs Tables And Stools

1 Dr. Birch. 2

Greek influence began to be felt in Rome in the Third Century B. C. Etruscan Art had dominated there up to that time.