Lesene

A lesene, also called a pilaster strip,

low-relief vertical pillar on a wall. It resembles a pilaster, but does not have a base or capital.^[2] It is typical in Lombardic and Rijnlandish architectural building styles.^[3]

Function

Lesenes are used in architecture to vertically divide a façade or other wall surface optically. However, unlike pilasters, lesenes are simpler, having no bases or capitals. Their function is ornamental, not just to decorate the plain surface of a wall but, in the case of corner lesenes (at the edges of a façade), to emphasise the edges of a building.

Gallery

Lesenes and Lombard band (arches) on a chapel
Lesenes forming blind arcades, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna (c. 430); dentils under the eaves.
Lesene on the staircase tower,
Gernrode collegiate church
(pre-1000)
Lesenes on the Maria Laach Abbey (1156)
Lesenes on the tower of All Saints' Church, Earls Barton (late 10th century)