Silver Satin

Silver Satin

The Unique Art of Attractive Enamel Inlay in Silver

For over two centuries now Russian artists have been creating the exquisite beauty with silver inlay and boldly colorful enamels. Russia has yet to have been beat for the silver and enamel art works created by them. A second highly used method is the "Cloisonnes" method. In this method of the enamel application, sections of the art is devised by very thin wires applied were desired and the enamel is then applied between the sections of wiring on the top of the artwork. The "Filigree" method of enamel applications is also done with small silver wire applications, but they are slightly a more detailed design of wired meshing upon the artwork. The technique of enamel has a historical story itself worth telling.

For over two centuries now Russian artists have been creating the exquisite beauty with silver inlay and boldly colorful enamels. The Russian artists whom continue today in passing on down their specially skilled expertness, with the world's acknowledgment of being number one in their craft. Russia has yet to have been beat for the silver and enamel art works created by them. Brightly colorful Enamel was added for the extra beauty of various types of silver art work by Russian artists long ago and have since then, created several methods in how these two artist materials can be manipulated into true beauty.

One of the most common methods is the "Champleve" form of creative manipulation. In this method, there will first be grooves made into the artwork. Then the durable and brightly colored enamels are applied within the grooves, making the object of silver even more desirable to the eye. A second highly used method is the "Cloisonnes" method. In this method of the enamel application, sections of the art is devised by very thin wires applied were desired and the enamel is then applied between the sections of wiring on the top of the artwork. The "Filigree" method of enamel applications is also done with small silver wire applications, but they are slightly a more detailed design of wired meshing upon the artwork.

After a copper base application, the powder enamel is compressed by layers on top of the copper base and then fired.

Although the Russians artistically have cornered the market in their specialties of styles and creations, inlay work within silver, copper, stone, pottery, wood and other materials have been inlaid with ivory, precious stones and enamel throughout time. With the help of cultural archaeologically many styles of inlay artworks have been discovered within various cultures like China, Greece, Roman civilizations, France, Italy and several other European civilizations, dating back many centuries ago.

The technique of enamel has a historical story itself worth telling. Enamel has mainly been a production of the European countries including Russia, but within the past, the expense of enamel made many artists throughout Europe create this type of artistic works for the highest elite only. Through out the past enamel started to be used less often in many parts of the world, enamel is said by some to be 'saved' by the Russian artists for their concurring enamel usage on so many of their artworks. Thus, making enamelart more common for all to enjoy.

About the Author

Anita Satin Choudhary writes for Ivory and Art Gallery. Browse the gallery for unique collection of artifacts ranging from
Russian Silver and Enamel
to
Netsuke
and
Mammoth Ivory Tusk
.