Ceramics Definition Scrafito

Thomas born getty images creating sgraffito.

Ceramics definition scrafito.

Decoration produced by scratching through a surface layer to reveal a different color underneath. The objects made are commonly useful ones such as vessels for holding liquids or plates or bowls from which food can be served. Sgraffiti is a technique either of wall decor produced by applying layers of plaster tinted in contrasting colours to a moistened surface or in pottery by applying to an unfired ceramic body two successive layers of contrasting slip or glaze and then in either case scratching so as to reveal parts of the underlying layer. The pottery surface is first prepared with underlayers of color and these are revealed.

Sgraffito definition a technique of ornamentation in which a surface layer of paint plaster slip etc is incised to reveal a ground of contrasting color. Something such as pottery. Pottery one of the oldest and most widespread of the decorative arts consisting of objects made of clay and hardened with heat. Sgraffito pottery is a type of pottery where designs are scratched into the clay with a variety of tools.

Sgraffito can be an impactful dramatic way of decorating pots like in kathy king s shown here or a more subtle way to add color or definition to a design see kristen pavelka s plate below. As a basic rule fine clays work much better as anything rough or with too much grog in won t create a smooth finish when you re scratching off the topcoat of slip or underglaze you can of course use the sgraffito technique on any shape or size of pot. Sgraffito synonyms sgraffito pronunciation sgraffito translation english dictionary definition of sgraffito. Sgraffito definition is decoration by cutting away parts of a surface layer as of plaster or clay to expose a different colored ground.

So the first place to start with sgraffito is choosing which clay to make your piece from.