Which architectural feature is associated with the Ionic order?

The architectural feature associated with the Ionic order is the continuous frieze. The Ionic order is one of the classical orders of ancient Greek architecture characterized by its distinct column style, which includes a base, a tall, slender shaft, and a capital adorned with volutes, or scroll-like designs. The frieze in Ionic temples, often found between the architrave and the cornice, is typically unbroken, allowing for a continuous band that can display decorative relief or inscriptions without interruption.

This characteristic is particularly important as it distinguishes the Ionic order from the Doric order, which often features triglyphs and metopes in its frieze. Understanding the continuous nature of the Ionic frieze provides insight into the aesthetic principles of the time, emphasizing harmony and elegance in design. In contrast, the other choices refer to different elements that are either specific to other orders, such as the metope associated with the Doric order, or different architectural elements altogether, like the simple cornice and the Corinthian column.