Leaf-and-dart

Leaf-and-dart (also known as rais-de-cœur and heart-and-dart)[1] is an ornamental motif made up of heart-shaped leaves (or waterleaves inside hearts)[2] alternating with spearheads (or darts).

This motif was used in Ancient Greek and Roman architecture.

It was taken up again during the Renaissance, abundantly in the 18th century, being used in the Louis XVI style.

[3] The French word literally means "rays (beams of light) from heart[s]" (its Italian equivalent being raggi a cuori),[2] as the "darts" can resemble triangular lightrays emerging from between the hearts.

The singular equivalent (rai-de-cœur) is rarely used.