Term for the Day: Piercing

Never do a Google search for “piercing furniture.” Just a friendly warning… In terms of the decorative arts, piercing refers to the removal of material through carving with a sharp implement to create a pattern. Piercing is a technique that is employed with a variety of media. Silver and other metals can be pierced to create a pattern. Similarly, wood can be referred to as pierced. The absence of material makes the design.

For example, the crest of this Eastlake pedestal has been pierced. Not only does this give the crest an interesting design in addition to the other carving, it also gives a glimpse of the pedestal’s shaft. Piercing was a popular technique in Victorian design and remains one that is often emulated today.