10 More Words Used to Describe Antiques and Vintage

One of the challenges of being an online vintage seller is finding the right words to describe your items. Some of those words are so cool they make us feel smart just knowing them. Some are the kind of words that are fun to say. We’re not ones to be stingy with information, so here’s a short and entirely random list of words we’ve used recently to describe vintage items.

Sgraffito A dimensional design created by applying multiple layers then carving back through the top layer to reveal the lower layer. Commonly used in pottery.
Crenellated As an adjective (of a moulding, etc) having square indentations. This comes from castle battlements but can be used in other items as well.
Monteith bowl Bowl made to chill glasses. There are notches in the side to hold foot and stem of wine glasses so the glasses are held in ice water.
Handausgemalt Translates from German as “on the hand,” but is used to describe hand painted decoration that is added to a printed image on china.
Fretwork Ornamental parts of furniture made by sawing a pattern into a piece of wood. Often added as an overlay.
Cartouche An oval or oblong figure (as on ancient Egyptian monuments) enclosing a sovereign’s name
Escutcheon A functional piece of metal, usually decorated, around a doorknob, handle or keyhole designed to protect the wood.
Repousse Metalworking where a malleable metal is shaped from the reverse side to create images in relief on the outside.
Samovar From Russia, a heated metal vessel for boiling water, usually to make tea. Can be heated with coal, electricity, sterno or other sources.
Vitrine A glass-sided showcase for protecting and featuring special treasures, ranging in size from tiny boxes to huge cabinets.