The Greek Key Is The Sign Of The ' Meander '

Monday, October 27, 2008

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'.