abacus

In architecture, the rectangular slab along the top of a column capital, often left plain but sometimes decoratively carved.

Quick Facts on abacus

Go Historic ID

Getty AAT ID

300001699

Term Type

object (non-fine-art) type (e.g. hats)

Parent Terms

Child Terms

Related Terms

Uppermost members of the capitals of columns; often plain square slabs, but sometimes molded or otherwise enriched.