A type of relief ornament resembling studded leather straps arranged in geometrical or interlaced patterns, used especially in early Renaissance England, is called what?

• A. Strapwork
• B. Intercolumnation
• C. Wreath
• D. Rocaille

Answer: (A)

Strapwork is the term for relief ornament that imitates flat leather straps arranged in geometric or interlaced patterns. In early Renaissance England, craftsmen carved plaster and wood surfaces with these strap-like bands that weave over and under to form knots and lattices, creating a decorative, linear rhythm rather than figurative imagery. The look is deliberately studded and mechanical, giving the impression of leather thongs bound together across panels, friezes, and ceilings. Intercolumnation refers to the arrangement of columns rather than surface ornament, a wreath is a circular motif, and Rocaille is Rococo flourish with shells and scrolls—styles and concepts that don’t match this studded, banded pattern.