Champlevé: meaning, definitions and examples
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champlevé
[ ʃɑːmpləˈveɪ ]
art technique
Champlevé is an ancient enamelwork technique in which hollows are carved into a metal surface and filled with enamel paste, then fired to create a vitreous coating. This technique dates back to the Middle Ages and was used primarily for decorative purposes on metal objects.
Synonyms
decoration, enamelwork, metalworking.
Examples of usage
- The artist created a stunning champlevé piece for the exhibition.
- Champlevé enamelwork is often seen in religious artifacts.
- Many ancient cultures utilized the champlevé technique for intricate designs.
- The museum showcased several champlevé objects from the 12th century.
Translations
Translations of the word "champlevé" in other languages:
🇵🇹 champlevé
🇮🇳 चैम्पलेवे
🇩🇪 Champlevé
🇮🇩 champlevé
🇺🇦 шамплеве
🇵🇱 champlevé
🇯🇵 シャンプルヴェ
🇫🇷 champlevé
🇪🇸 champlevé
🇹🇷 champlevé
🇰🇷 샹플레브
🇸🇦 شامبليه
🇨🇿 champlevé
🇸🇰 champlevé
🇨🇳 凹凸镶嵌
🇸🇮 champlevé
🇮🇸 champlevé
🇰🇿 шамплеве
🇬🇪 ჩამპლევე
🇦🇿 champlevé
🇲🇽 champlevé
Etymology
The term 'champlevé' is derived from the French language, where 'champ' means 'field' (or area) and 'levé' means 'raised.' This reflects the technique's nature, as the enamel is placed in the sunken areas of metal that are deliberately carved out, making those areas 'raised' compared to the rest of the surface. Initially used in decorative and ceremonial objects, champlevé has origins that trace back to the Roman Empire and gained prominence in the medieval period. It was especially popular in regions like Limoges, France, where artisans perfected the method, producing intricate and colorful works. The technique experienced a resurgence in the 19th century as interest in traditional crafts and historical art forms grew, leading to the creation of new champlevé pieces that blended contemporary designs with ancient methods.