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while i was researching on history of enamel, it struck me that the art of enameling originated in cyprus, especially cloisoniee, but the enamel techniques cloissonie, champleve, grissalle get their names from the french language,so is it due to standardization of the language or what..?
while i was researching on history of enamel, it struck me that the art of enameling originated in cyprus, especially cloisoniee, but the enamel techniques cloissonie, champleve, grissalle get their names from the french language,so is it due to standardization of the language or what..?
How did you find out that it originated in Cyprus?
Lyndan Blackman
How did you find out that it originated in Cyprus?
Lyndan Blackman
the earliest form of enameling owes its beginnings to the jewelers of ancient Egypt, who cut glass and inlaid it into gold filigree to create the beautiful pieces demanded by the Pharaohs. The cloisonné and filigree techniques used by the Egyptians predate the first enamels by nearly 30 centuries, famous eg. the tomb of Tutankhamun. But The Egyptian pieces do not represent true enamels as the cut glass that was used in them was held in place by means of adhesives, prongs or bezels.Not until some unknown craftsman in Cypress discovered that glass would adhere to metal when fired at high temperatures, and began using this method, were the first true enamels made.
i happen to gather all these information for my thesis through different books and interenet resources.
the earliest form of enameling owes its beginnings to the jewelers of ancient Egypt, who cut glass and inlaid it into gold filigree to create the beautiful pieces demanded by the Pharaohs. The cloisonné and filigree techniques used by the Egyptians predate the first enamels by nearly 30 centuries, famous eg. the tomb of Tutankhamun. But The Egyptian pieces do not represent true enamels as the cut glass that was used in them was held in place by means of adhesives, prongs or bezels.Not until some unknown craftsman in Cypress discovered that glass would adhere to metal when fired at high temperatures, and began using this method, were the first true enamels made.
i happen to gather all these information for my thesis through different books and interenet resources.
In my extensive enamel library in German, English and French languages, ranging from the early 19th century to modern times, there is no coherent explanation of how it has come to the internationally popular French names for the enamel techniques!
In most books one can read, that the word "Email" (enamel) from the Middle High German word "smalti" or "esmalt" (both words mean "melt") has developed.
The French words may have developed around the 12th century. In this period in France enamel were almost factory-made and sold throughout whole Europe. Some "new" techniques are been developed at this time in France or get perfected. So it is conceivable that with the spread of French-enamel-works also the French names gets popular, initially in Europe.
I am sure that in other cultures such as China, Japan, India, etc. independent historical words for each enamel techniques are in use. In Germany, for example, cloisonné is called "Zellenschmelz" ("Zelle" = box or cell, "schmelz" = glaze or enamel), or Champlevé ="Grubenschmelz" ("Grube" = cavern or depression, "schmelz"= enamel or glaze).
These are my own interpretations. I think it is nearly impossible to clarify when and how the French terms come into the international enamel-world, unless a linguist takes up the matter.
Edmund
In my extensive enamel library in German, English and French languages, ranging from the early 19th century to modern times, there is no coherent explanation of how it has come to the internationally popular French names for the enamel techniques!
In most books one can read, that the word "Email" (enamel) from the Middle High German word "smalti" or "esmalt" (both words mean "melt") has developed.
The French words may have developed around the 12th century. In this period in France enamel were almost factory-made and sold throughout whole Europe. Some "new" techniques are been developed at this time in France or get perfected. So it is conceivable that with the spread of French-enamel-works also the French names gets popular, initially in Europe.
I am sure that in other cultures such as China, Japan, India, etc. independent historical words for each enamel techniques are in use. In Germany, for example, cloisonné is called "Zellenschmelz" ("Zelle" = box or cell, "schmelz" = glaze or enamel), or Champlevé ="Grubenschmelz" ("Grube" = cavern or depression, "schmelz"= enamel or glaze).
These are my own interpretations. I think it is nearly impossible to clarify when and how the French terms come into the international enamel-world, unless a linguist takes up the matter.
Edmund
That the first real enamel-work comes from Cyprus, is generally recognized in professional circles. But that does not mean that the enamelling was invented in Cyprus! Perhaps in archaeological excavations in the future elsewhere, an even older enamel work becomes found.
Edmund
That the first real enamel-work comes from Cyprus, is generally recognized in professional circles. But that does not mean that the enamelling was invented in Cyprus! Perhaps in archaeological excavations in the future elsewhere, an even older enamel work becomes found.
Edmund
Your insight on the subject is very extensive and detailed, and greatly appreciated by me.
Thanks.
Your insight on the subject is very extensive and detailed, and greatly appreciated by me.
Thanks.