Dogtooth

This is the double piscina in the chancel of the Church of St Kyneburgha, Castor. It is in an elaborate Early English style with dogtooth decoration.

Dogtooth (or dogtooth pattern) is a term used to describe a style of architectural ornamentation. The the term is said to originate from the pattern’s resemblance to the dog-tooth violet, although the pattern also tends to have the rough appearance of a projecting tooth.

Dogtooth is made up of a series of four-cornered stars or leaves placed diagonally to each other. These segments radiate from a central point to form a pyramid.

Dogtooth ornamentation can be found in buildings that date back to before the 12th century. It became a more commonly used form of decoration in early English Gothic architecture.

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