champlevé

[ shahn-luh-vey ]

adjective

1. of or relating to an enamel piece or enameling technique in which enamel is fused onto the incised or hollowed areas of a metal base.

noun

, plural champ·le·vés [shah, n, -l, uh, -, vey, -, veyz].

1. an enamel piece made by the champlevé method.
2. the technique used to produce champlevé enamels.

champlevé

/ ʃɑ̃lve; ˌʃæmpləˈveɪ /

adjective

1. of or relating to a process of enamelling by which grooves are cut into a metal base and filled with enamel colours

noun

1. an object enamelled by this process

Word History and Origins

Origin of champlevé¹

1855–60; < French, past participle of champlever to lift (i.e., take out) a field (i.e., a flat part), make hollow places on the ground to be engraved; camp ¹, lever

Word History and Origins

Origin of champlevé¹

C19: from champ field (level surface) + levé raised

Example Sentences

The partnership’s stated aim is the conservation, preservation and transmission of rare artistic crafts, including champlevé and grisaille enameling, stone marquetry, micro-mosaics and metal hand-engraving, all of which were applied in crafting the new wristwatch collection.

From New York Times

A typical piece, says the label’s creative director, Beth Bugdaycay, especially one that necessitates demanding details like champlevé enameling, can pass between six to nine artisans with different types of expertise.

From New York Times

When they bought this 19th-century Tiffany coffee pot in chased silver and delicate floral champlevé enamel, it had been polished to a high shine.

From New York Times

Remember, too, the goldsmiths of Lorraine, who made shrines in the shape of little churches, with aisles, statues, transepts and all, like dolls’ houses: remember the cnamellera of Limoges, and the champleve work, and the German ivory carvers, and the garnets set in Irish metal.

From Literature

Jeweler Holly Dyment's joyful black Labrador with encrusted diamond collar pendant is crafted in 18-karat rose gold and is made using a signature champlevé enameling technique.

From Los Angeles Times