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Monday, October 27, 2008

The Greek Key Is The Sign Of The ' Meander '

In Design And Architecture, a 'Meander' is a decorative border constructed from a continuous line, shaped into a repeated motif.
Such a design is also called The Greek Key or Greek Fret.
Versace's swimming pool with Greek Key tiled border.
This is an auction item, double click to enlarge for info.




I think this French piece is to die for, and guess what it has ? That's correct, Greek Key detailing. Everybody used it and always will.
Meanders are common decorative elements in design, and are considered to Neoclassical. This design is as popular today and at anytime in history.
(( These are exterior or commercial doors with the 'meander' detail around the glass. $ 10,000.00 a pair. From http://www.decodame.com/ )
Nice contemporary corbel.
Tumbled marble in Greek Key Design.

Greek Key application for custom wood flooring.

Beautiful wood molding carved with the Greek Key design.
The Greek Key is on many of the finest antiques as well as reproductions, it is often leafed in gold or antique silver.
Antique silver is my particular favorite. I am drawn to this over and over.
In case you don't know what it is , imagine silver with a very, very light soft pale gold glaze over it , just enough to soften the bright silver It is absolutely dreamy.
( Double click on pics for info.)
It was the most important symbol in Ancient Greece, symbolizing infinity and unity: most ancient Greek temples incorporate the sign of the meander.

Greek vases, especially during their Geometric Period, were likely the genesis for the widespread use of meanders.

The shield of Philip, (602 BC – 640 BC) the second king of Macedonia, was decorated with multiple symbols of the meander .

Let's just say this design literally is 'old as the hills'.

The name "meander" recalls the twisting and turning path of the Maeander River. Where it gets it name.

Not quite a complete Greek Key pattern, but certainly worth a mention.
Sooooo Tasteful.

I have done this on a sofa, it was gorgeous, and elegant.

Crazy Greek Key wallpaper.

You don't have to spend a fortune to have the classic Greek Key Design in your life.


It was the most important symbol in Ancient Greece, symbolizing infinity and unity: most ancient Greek temples incorporate the sign of the 'meander'.

Absolutely Faboo Lus ! What a great mirror !


Scalamandré Fabric
1930's or 40's , they are FABOO !




I would love a set of these sheets.

....and towels.


Such a glamorous pooch. xx

It is everywhere.
On buildings , jewelry, cakes, fabrics, furniture, you can stencil it on walls too.

Just look, you will find it.
Because it is there.

see this great post on greek key bedrooms, fabrics, carpets, 2011
Renee Finberg 'TELLS ALL' in her blog of her Adventures in Design

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About Renée Finberg

I have been in this business since the age of 22.

I love what I do and cannot imagine my life without Design.

Design Challenges are great.

And because of those challenges

I have imported fine antique pieces from Paris,

Designed and Manufactured Furniture,

Created Fantastic Window Treatments,

And solved all kinds of spatial & architectural issues

With my unique style.

If I can't find it, I create it.

My rooms would make excellent movie sets.

I am a visual, tactile and audio sensitive individual.

Creating is what I live for, not math, not spelling, not science.

Just Great Design.

Just imagine how it would be if each of us,

If only for a few hours of everyday,We could be in a space that is our very own.A place that is exactly the way we want it to be

Surrounded by all the things we wanted to see,

The atmosphere we wanted feel, smell and the sound we wanted to listen to.

Private Paradise

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Renee Finberg 'TELLS ALL' in her Adventures in Design by Renee Finberg is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.reneefinberg.com.
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