Afinial (from Latin finis 'end')[1] orhip-knob is an element marking the top or end of some object, often formed to be a decorative feature.[2]
In architecture, it is a small decorative device, employed to emphasize theapex of adome,spire,tower, roof, orgable or any of various distinctive ornaments at the top, end, or corner of a building or structure.[3] A finial is typically carved in stone. Where there are several such elements they may be calledpinnacles. The very top of a finial can be a floral or foliated element called a bouquet.[4]
Smaller finials in materials such as metal or wood are used as a decorative ornament on the tops or ends of poles or rods such as tent-poles orcurtain rods or any object such as a piece of furniture. These are frequently seen on top of bed posts or clocks. Decorative finials are also commonly used to fastenlampshades, and as an ornamental element at the end of the handles ofsouvenir spoons. The charm at the end of apull chain (such as for aceiling fan or alamp) is also known as a finial.
Decorative roof-finials are a common feature of Malaysian religious and residential architecture.[5] InMalacca,Malaysia, there are 38 mosques with traditional roof finials, with layered and crown-shaped designs, which are known asMakhota Atap Masjid.[5] On mosques built after the 20th century, these finials have been replaced by "bulbous domes".[5] Other terms for roof finials include:Tunjuk Langit andBuah Buton (East Coast) as well asBuah Gutung (Kelantan andTerengganu).[5] TheMakhota Atap Masjid finials are made of mixed concrete, and theBuah Buton are made of wood.[5]
InJapanese architecture,chigi are finials that were used atopShinto shrines inIse andIzumo and theimperial palace.[6]
InJava andBali, a rooftop finial is known asmustaka orkemuncak.
InThailand finials feature on domestic andreligious buildings.[7]Hti is a kind of finial found onBurmese Buddhist temples andpagodas. OnBuddhist stupas, thelayered umbrella (Skt.chhatra; Pali:chhatta) tiers have cosmological significance as representing the realms ofheavens or the trunk of a cosmic tree.[8] Even the stupa itself (comparatively smaller) can be a finial to aStupa or otherBuddhist religious structure.
Thekalasha is a finial onHindu temples.[9] In theDravidian style oftemple architecture, the kalasha is placed on top of a dome with an inverted lotus flower shape in between.[10] There may also be lotus petals at the top, before the kalasha narrows to a single point, or bindu.[10]
There are two guldastas, or finials, per facade atHumayun's Tomb.[11]
Finials are decorative elements in a variety of American domesticarchitectural styles, includingFrench colonial,Georgian,Victorian, andRomanesque Revival.[12]
Roof finials can be made from a variety of materials includingclay,metal, orwood.
Afolklore tradition in the easternUnited States portrays finials as discouragingwitches on broomsticks from landing locally.[13]
A "ball-style" finial is often mounted to the top of a stationaryflagpole.[14] The United StatesArmy,Navy,Marine Corps, andCoast Guard employ a variety of different finials depending on the flag in question, the Marines and Coast Guard deferring to the Navy's protocols.[15]
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Public garden or parkrailings often end in finials, and wooden posts tend to have turned wood finials. Turned wood finials are used on various pieces of furniture.[16] While the purpose of finials on bed posts is mostly decorative,[17] they serve a purpose on curtain rods, providing a way to keep a curtain from slipping off the end of a straight rod.
Curtain rod finials can be seen to act much like a barometer of public taste. Many designs hark back to theGothic andNeogothic of architectural finials, while other contemporary finials reflectminimalist,Art Nouveau, and other traditional styles of decor. The use of different materials is as wide as the range of designs with brass, stainless steel, various woods, and aluminum being employed with a variety of finishes such as 'satin steel' and 'antique brass'. The durability, strength, and machinability of modern alloys have lent themselves to increasingly intricate and dazzling designs.
During the variousdynasties in China, a finial was worn on the tops of thehats civil or military officials wore during formal court ceremonies.[18][19] The finial was changed to a knob for other daily usage (including semi-formal ceremonies). ThePickelhaube is a Central European military helmet with a finial topped by a spike.[20]
Folklore in the eastern U.S. suggests that finial posts were not just attractive, but also prevented witches from landing their broomsticks on the roof.
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