The ABCs of Decorative Arts: Patera

Top of a George III tulipwood and sycamore marquetry commode with inlaid oval fan patera decoration
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection

We continue our journey through the ABCs of the decorative arts today with a term that often appears in our description of antiques: patera. Patera is an architectural term for a circular or oval ornament that is often decorated with leaves or petals. Patera, and its plural paterae, appear in architectural decoration, often in a frieze, and on furniture patera frequently appear on a corner block. The patera design can be carved, incised, inlaid, or painted.

Have a look below for examples of furniture in our collection with paterae.

A George III Yew Cabinet attributed to Mayhew & Ince with Inlaid Patera in the Cresting
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection

A George III Hepplewhite Period Mahogany Card Table with Carved Paterae
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection

A Pair of George III Mahogany Chairs with Carved Dome Block Paterae attributed to Thomas Chippendale
Mackinnon Fine Furniture Collection