A gadroon is a curved decorative accent, created through the repeated use of convex or concave flutes, and closely resembling a ruffle pattern. Normally found on silver and ceramic bowls, chairs, sofas, and tables, gadroons are usually used as an edging upon a curved surface to create a more eye-catching pattern. Occasionally when discussing furniture making, the practice of making gadroons is referred to as “nulling”.
Gadroons were predominately used in metalworking, especially silver trays or bowls, when first introduced. However during the Elizabethan Era from mid-16th century to early in the 17th century, the use of gadroons, known as gadrooning, became popular when making furniture.
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Eventually the ornate arches began showing up in Italian and Italian-influenced pieces. Today it is common to find gadroon curving on Chippendale furniture manufactured on the east coast of the United States.
Around 1824, famous English china and earthenware producer, Josiah Spode, began using gadroons in an attempt to mimic the antique Georgian silver patterns popular centuries earlier. The specialized gadroon patterned tea sets and after-dinner services soon became favorites among buyers of Spode’s porcelain ware. When used with bone china, sometimes the gadroons would be gilded with precious metals to enhance the ornamentation.
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