Rhenish Lion Wall Sconces, German 1880

• Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
• A/f, as Inspected - The letters "A/F" or "as inspected" as part of a description is the cataloguer's shorthand for "all faults" or "as found", meaning the item has some type of damage or deficiency, it is of uncertain date or provenance, and/or that the seller takes no responsibility for the completeness of the item or the accuracy of the description.
• Salt Glazed - Salt glazing involves throwing salt into the kiln when it is at its highest temperature, usually around 2,300 to 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit (1,260 to 1,320 degrees Celsius). The salt vaporizes and forms a glaze on the surface of the pottery, creating a range of effects depending on how the salt is applied and the firing conditions. This glazing method was first developed in Germany in the 15th century and quickly became popular throughout Europe and North America. It was particularly popular for making stoneware pottery, such as jugs, crocks, and other utilitarian objects.
  
  Salt glazes can produce a range of colors, including gray, brown, blue, and even pink or purple in some cases. The texture of the glaze is typically rough and pebbled, with a matte or satin finish. The process of salt glazing can be unpredictable, with variations in temperature and salt application leading to subtle variations in the finished product.
  
  Salt glazing is still used by potters and ceramic artists although it is less common than it was in the past.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• Rhenish (North German) - ceramics 2