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guilloche

guilloche

1 9.9
A decorative pattern of wavy bands that cross, often on coins or banknotes
  • noun
  • /ɡiˈloʊʃ/
  • Specialized
: guilloché
  • Design A might be compared with the guilloche designs engraved on some early Akan metal vessels (kuduo), and design B bears a resemblance to the meander pattern on some goldweights of this period.
  • guilloche pattern
  • guilloche enamel
  • transparent guilloche

Examples

  • Like the gold guilloche rotor on this Breguet Marine.

    Blog text (29)
  • Instead of the usual guilloche interlace typical of most Igbesanmwan altar tusks, for example, it bears a diamond pattern on the base, which is also a distinctive feature of the Queen Mother tusks.

    Academic text (1991)
  • The ornate mirror featured a beautiful guilloche pattern around its gilded frame.

  • The artist skillfully incorporated a guilloche design into the intricate detailing of the vase.

  • Each coin displayed a unique guilloche motif that added to its collectible value.

Synonyms

strapwork
vsguilloche
  • Specialized
1 9.6

A decorative pattern of crossed, curling bands on furniture or buildings

is limited to interlaced bands with a regular wavy form in architecture

How Intricate

filigree
3 9.8
arabesque
1 9.1
guilloche
  • Specialized
1 9.9
pattern
190 2.8
stripe
111 1.0
band
51 1.3

Surface Forms

guilloche singular
guilloches plural

Etymology

Guilloche comes from French guilloché and originally meant a carved or engraved pattern of wavy bands that weave together. Think of it like a fine 'braid' or 'lace' worked into metal, paper, or stone, which is why a guilloche appears on coins, banknotes, and buildings as a decorative or security design.