enamelwork

enamelwork

Metal objects decorated with an opaque glaze fused to the surface by intense heat. The resulting surface is hard and durable and can be brilliantly colourful. Objects most suitable for enamelwork are delicate, small (e.g., jewelry, snuffboxes, scent bottles, watches), and made of copper, brass, bronze, or gold. The best-known processes are cloisonné and champlevé. Enamelwork was produced as early as the 13th century BC, reached its peak in the Byzantine Empire, and flourished throughout medieval and Renaissance Europe. In the early 20th century Carl Fabergé produced highly prized objects made of gold, enamel, and jewels. See also Limoges painted enamel.