anthemion

American  

[an-thee-mee-uhn] / ænˈθi mi ən /

noun

plural

anthemia

1. an ornament of floral forms in a flat radiating cluster, as in architectural decoration, vase painting, etc.

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anthemion British  

/ ænˈθiːmɪən /

noun

1. a floral design, used esp in ancient Greek and Roman architecture and decoration, usually consisting of honeysuckle, lotus, or palmette leaf motifs

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Etymology

Origin of anthemion

1860–65; < Greek anthémion, equivalent to ánthem ( on ) flower + -ion diminutive suffix; see antho-

Example Sentences

He often used the three feathers of the Prince of Wales, sheaves of wheat, anthemion, urns, and festoons of drapery, all beautifully carved, and forming the splat.

From Furnishing the Home of Good Taste A Brief Sketch of the Period Styles in Interior Decoration with Suggestions as to Their Employment in the Homes of Today by Throop, Lucy Abbot

Some of the principal characteristics of the Cinquecento style are the delicate arabesque scroll work, the profusion and beauty of the curves, its admirable variations of standard classic ornaments, such as the anthemion and scroll.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 598, June 18, 1887 by Various

Moulding with anthemion, plait, maeander, and leaf, bead and reel patterns.

From A Catalogue of Sculpture in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities, British Museum, Volume I (of 2) by Smith, A. H.

There was always a combination of the straight line and the curve, a strong feeling of balance, and a profusion of ornament in the way of scrolls, garlands, shells, the acanthus, anthemion, etc.

From Furnishing the Home of Good Taste A Brief Sketch of the Period Styles in Interior Decoration with Suggestions as to Their Employment in the Homes of Today by Throop, Lucy Abbot

The most characteristic feature of Greek ornament is the anthemion, a conventionalized flower form resembling our honeysuckle bud, which was usually alternated with the lotus or lily form bud.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 598, June 18, 1887 by Various