Ionic capital : A capital used originally by the Greeks in a system of supports called the Ionic order. The Ionic order is based on a set of proportions and includes a particular kind of column base and lintel as well as capital. The order was also used by the Romans. In the medieval period, the capital was often used without a strict adherence to the rest of the system. An Ionic capital has a volute, or a spiral scroll-like carving, on each side as its major decoration. Ionic capitals are relatively rare in medieval buildings.

See also capital.
See also other types of capital

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