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d Pre-decimalisation abbreviation for penny
dagger Small, short, pointed, bladed weapon
often double-edged for thrusting, and stabbing.
daguerreotype French painter and theatrical designer
Jacques Louis Daguerre (1789 - 1851) invented the
first practicable photographic process in 1839.
To be eventually superseded by the calotype, it
produced a positive image, formed of tiny
globules of mercury on a silver coated copper plate.
daisho A matching pair of Japanese samurai swords
or sword and dagger
damascening Process of setting fine pieces of
contrasting metals into a metal body, such as the
blade of a sword or a casket for decoration.
Originally developed in the Near East, and then
adopted in Europe in the 17th Century. Gold, Silver
and copper wires were inserted into fine grooves
cut into an iron, brass or bronze body and then
hammered into the surface.
damask A fabric that is reversible and used for
curtains, table linen and upholstery. It was originally
woven in silk and then later in linen, wool and man
made fibres. Its typically distinctive appearance is due
to the upper and lower surfaces of the same weave forming
the pattern and tonal variation. If it has silver, gold or
metallic threads running through it, it is known as damassin.
Usually it is red or plum in colour and was imported from Italy
until the end of the 17th Century, when it started to be
produced in Britain, although red and blue were popular
choices for window curtains and upholstery throughout the
Georgian period.
From the 17th Century Germany and Ireland became
important centres for linen damask for luxury tablecloths
and table cloths taking over from the Dutch who
pioneered it in the 15th Century.
Daum A glass factory run by Auguste Daum (1853 - 1909)
and Antonin Daum (1864 - 1930) two brothers in 1857 in
Nancy, France, famous for its Art Nouveau and
Art Deco vases and mushroom shaped lamps.
davenport A small desk normally with a sloping writing
surface and four drawers set sideways into the case beneath.
Captain Davenport had a desk made for him likely to be
used for at sea in the late 18th Century, and this is the first
record of this design of desk. There are many different
variations of the basic style.
Davenport Founded by John Davenport, at Longport
Staffordshire, in 1794, a porcelain and earthenware factory.
Bone China was introduced in C1800, and the tea services
often imitated by Derby in decoration. The ornamental
articles are more individual to Davenport and they feature
monochrome and multicoloured landscapes and skilfully
painted flowers and fruits. Production declined from the
1870's and finally the factory closed in 1887.
day bed A term that came from the 16th Century for
an upholstered sofa with a sloped backrest at one
or both of the ends and used for reclining during
the day.
More items will be added shortly
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