Egg and Dart

The Egg and Dart is a classical decorative molding detail. It was adopted into Roman architecture and became a prevalent motif of Neoclassicism into the modern era.

Egg and Dart is typically a repeating ovoid shape – the “egg” – alternating with a pointed shape – the “dart.” The symbolism is thought to juxtapose the ideas of life with death – offerings with sacrifice.

Similarly, the egg symbolizes the feminine force in nature and the dart the masculine. This ancient pagan symbolism has been widely elaborated upon in classical architecture and is still popular today.