finial

(noun)

Any decorative fitting at the peak of a gable, or on the top of a flagpole, fence post, or staircase newel post.

Related Terms

  • terracotta
  • terra cotta
  • mausoleum
  • pietra dura
  • lattice
  • Mon
  • yaksha
  • aureole
  • wat

Examples of finial in the following topics:

  • Thai Buddhist Architecture

    • Roofs of Thai temples are typically decorated with finials attached to the bargeboard, the long, thin panel on the edge of the roof at the gable ends.
    • The most common finial is called the lamyong, sculpted in a serpentine shape and resembling the feathers of Garuda, a mythical bird-like creature from Hindu and Buddhist mythology.
    • A roof with multiple breaks or tiers will have identical finials at the bottom of each section.
    • The roofs of wats were commonly decorated with finials of mythical creatures.
  • Mughal Dynasty

    • This large, white marble structure stands on a square plinth and consists of a symmetrical building with an iwan (an arch-shaped doorway) topped by a large dome and finial.
    • The dome and chattris are topped by a gilded finial, which mixes traditional Persian and Hindustani decorative elements.
    • The finial is topped by a moon, a typical Islamic motif whose horns point heavenward.
    • Because of its placement on the main spire, the horns of the moon and the finial point combine to create a trident shape.
  • Sculpture of the Nok

    • While their function is largely unknown, theories include use as ancestor portrayal, grave markers, finials for roofs of buildings (suggested by their dome-shaped bases), or charms to protect against crop failure, infertility, or illness.
  • Architecture of the Mughal Period

    • It is topped by a large double dome and a finial, combining both the traditional Islamic motif of the crescent moon and the Hindu symbol of the trident, associated with the god Shiva.
Subjects
  • Accounting
  • Algebra
  • Art History
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Calculus
  • Chemistry
  • Communications
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Microbiology
  • Physics
  • Physiology
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Statistics
  • U.S. History
  • World History
  • Writing

Except where noted, content and user contributions on this site are licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 with attribution required.