Crocket

A crocket (or croquet) is a hook-shaped decorative element common in Gothic architecture.[1] The name derives from the diminutive of the French croc, meaning "hook", due to the resemblance of crockets to a bishop's crosier.[2]

Crocketed spire of the Notre-Dame Church in Vitré, France

Description

A crocket is in the form of a stylized carving of curled leaves, buds or flowers which are used at regular intervals to decorate the sloping edges of spires, finials, pinnacles, and wimpergs.[3]

As ornaments

When used to decorate the capital of columns, these are called crocket capitals. This element is also used as an ornament on furniture and metalwork in the Gothic style.[4]

Examples

• All Souls College – Oxford
• Canterbury Cathedral
• Notre Dame Cathedral – Paris
• León Cathedral – Spain
• Duke Chapel

References

1. "Crocket | architecture". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2018-09-08.
2. "Definition of CROCKET". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2018-09-08.
3. "Crocket | architecture". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2018-09-08.
4. "Capital | architecture". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2018-09-08.

External links

• Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Crocket" . Encyclopædia Britannica. 7 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 477.