niello

• The gold mount was devised to resemble niello, a Russian form of decoration. —  process 10
• Sometimes the engraving is filled with lac, after the manner of niello-work. —  Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, Volume 22. October, 1878.
• He also wrought in niello, and executed several figures which were highly commended, particularly two figures of Prophets, for an altar in the Cathedral of Pistoja. —  Anecdotes of Painters, Engravers, Sculptors and Architects and Curiosities of Art (Vol. 3 of 3)
• Francia was a very skilful workman in niello, and in enamels. —  Arts and Crafts in the Middle Ages A Description of Mediaeval Workmanship in Several of the Departments of Applied Art, Together with Some Account of Special Artisans in the Early Renaissance
• The term "niello" probably is an abbreviation of the Italian word "nigellus" (black); the art is that of inlaying an engraved surface with a black paste, which is thoroughly durable and hard as the metal itself in most cases, the only difference being in flexibility; if the metal plate is bent, the niello will crack and flake off Illustration: FINIGUERRA'S PAX, FLORENCE Niello is more than simply a drawing on metal. —  Arts and Crafts in the Middle Ages A Description of Mediaeval Workmanship in Several of the Departments of Applied Art, Together with Some Account of Special Artisans in the Early Renaissance

Allen's Synonyms and Antonyms