niello

(noun)

Any of various black metal alloys, made of sulphur with copper, silver or lead, used to create decorative designs on other metals.

Related Terms

Examples of niello in the following topics:

  • Mycenaean Metallurgy

    • These ceremonial daggers were made of bronze and inlaid in silver, gold, and niello with scenes clearly influenced from foreign cultures.
    • Bronze with gold, silver, and niello inlay. c. 16th century BCE.

  • Engraving

    • The printmaking method of engraving evolved out of the 'niello' technique in which goldsmiths rubbed an alloy into the carved lines to produce a higher contrast in color.