EGG AND DART MOULDING, in architecture, a deco rated moulding (q.v.), in which the convex portion is carved with egg-shaped forms in raised frames, alternating with long, narrow, raised, dart shapes. The egg and dart is a Greek development from the Egyptian and west Asiatic tri-lobe lotus, the dart being the central of the three petals, and half the frame of each of the two adjoining eggs representing the curved side petals. In fact, certain Egyptian bands in which lotus flowers and lotus buds are alternated, have identically the same rhythmic composition as the egg and dart. At first using it as a painted horizontal band, the Greeks came later to employ it as a moulding decoration, and carved it in deep relief. It has remained one of the most popular moulding decorations through all the classic styles.