Sgraffito - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Sgraffito is a decorative technique where layers of plaster or glaze are scratched to reveal a contrasting color beneath, often used in pottery and wall art.
Definition:
A decorative technique where layers are scratched to reveal contrasting colors beneath.
Synonyms:
scratching, engraving, incising, carving
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
plain surface, unadorned, smooth finish
Common Collocations:
ceramic sgraffito, sgraffito technique, sgraffito decoration, sgraffito pottery
Derivatives:
sgraffiti (plural), sgraffitist (practitioner)
Usage Tips:
Use "sgraffito" to describe art or pottery with designs etched through a top layer to expose underlying colors.
Common Phrases:
sgraffito design, sgraffito pottery, sgraffito technique
Etymology:
Derived from Italian "sgraffiare," meaning "to scratch," influenced by ancient pottery techniques.
Examples:
- 1. The artist used sgraffito to create intricate patterns on the vase.
- 2. Sgraffito adds texture and contrast to ceramic artworks by revealing hidden layers.
- 3. She learned the sgraffito technique in her pottery class last week.
- 4. The medieval building featured stunning sgraffito decorations on its walls.