entasis

(noun)

A slight convex curvature introduced into the shaft of a column for aesthetic reasons, or to compensate for the illusion of concavity.

Related Terms

Examples of entasis in the following topics:

  • Architecture in the Greek High Classical Period

    • However, in this case the colonnade is a single story, and only the columns of the temple (not the stylobate) have entasis.

  • Horyuji Temple

    • On the other hand, major Asuka-style characteristics seen in Hōryu-ji and resembling designs found in the Yungang Grottoes (from the Northern Wei in China) include the railings, decorated with repeat-patterned swastika, and the entasis columns.

  • The Parthenon

    • Finally, instead of the columns the whole building an entasis, a slight curve to compensate for the human eye.

  • Temple Architecture in the Greek Archaic Period

    • Doric columns are also noted for the presence of entasis, or bulges in the middle of the column shaft.

  • The Acropolis

    • Finally, instead of the columns the whole building an entasis, a slight curve to compensate for the human eye.