The Top

Finials.  Terracotta finials.  Concrete finials.  Stone finials.  Round finials,  flower-basket finials,  pinecone,  artichoke,  urn-shaped finials.  Animal finials. The object at the very top of a fountain from which the water flows is called a finial.  I suppose any object could be termed a “finial” as long as it sits at the uppermost point on any surface.  A finial is an architectural element used  to emphasize the top of a roof or corner of a building or to top the pillars at an entry gate.   Architectural finials were once believed to act as a deterrent to witches on broomsticks attempting to land on the roof.  That’s the best part.  Everyone needs a few finials to deter those darned witches.   At Eye of the Day we even have a finial with its own finial. This is actually called a “Focus” to be used as the focal point in a landscape.  It is made from that “top” quality quality Italian Galestro clay

from Terrecotte San Rocco.  One of our customers with excellent taste now owns two of these beauties and features them on pillars flanking his entry gate.  Once you become aware of the use of finials in all styles of landscaping you will begin to notice them everywhere, in all shapes and sizes. And once you have your own, you’ll notice all the witches have conveniently disappeared.