Guilloche is a decorative pattern made up of two or more interlacing, curved or wavy lines that together form a regular, band- or plait-like motif. The ornament has been used since classical antiquity and appears in architecture, on furniture, in plasterwork and in metalwork.
Origin and form
The name guilloche derives from a French word for the tool with which the pattern was originally turned. Its hallmark is the play of continuous lines that cross rhythmically, enclosing circles or ovals. In architecture guilloche often appears as:
- A frieze or band — a running decorative strip along a facade, cornice or plinth
- Edge decoration — around panels, doors and ceilings
- Plaster and stucco work — as a relief motif in interiors, especially in classical and neoclassical styles
Application
Guilloche is used as a purely decorative element to enliven a surface or edge. Beyond architecture, the pattern is familiar from:
- Furniture — inlaid or carved woodwork
- Metalwork and watches — finely turned guilloche engraving on metal
- Security documents — as a hard-to-copy background pattern on banknotes
In the restoration of historic buildings, a guilloche frieze is sometimes reapplied or repaired to preserve the original appearance of a facade.
Related terms
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