niello
1
9.9
A black metal mix used to fill lines cut into metal to make designs
- noun
- /niˈɛloʊ/
- Specialized
:
niello
- Many ancient artifacts feature niello as a decorative inlay, enhancing their beauty and detail.
Examples
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Her jewelry was adorned with intricate designs filled with niello, giving it a unique appearance.
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So we have this beautiful silver gilt with niello inlaid all over it like this.
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The artist used niello to create a striking contrast in the engraved silver pieces.
Synonyms
inlay
vsniello
7
6.7
A pattern made by fitting pieces of wood, metal, or other materials into a surface
is a specific black metal alloy used to fill engraved designs
Surface Forms
Etymology
Niello comes from Italian and from the Latin root niger, which means 'black'. That's why niello is the dark metal mixture used to fill engraved lines on silver or other metal so the design stands out.