What is this? Architectural Quiz No. 2
What is this? / Photo: Eugenia Woo
Ok, time for another quiz. This photo shows two architectural features. What is the name of the center ornament? What type of border design is that above the center ornament?
The center ornament is a “cartouche.” A cartouche is a raised circular or oval panel or tablet. Some cartouches have inscriptions or coat of arms as part of the design. The border design above the cartouche is called “egg and dart” which is a convex molding with a series of bas-relief “egg” shapes alternating with stylized barbed arrow heads, or “darts.” These features are located on the Alaska Building on Second Avenue and Cherry Street in downtown Seattle.