champlevé

American  

[shahn-luh-vey] / ʃɑ̃ ləˈveɪ /

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.

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noun

plural

champlevés

1. an enamel piece made by the champlevé method.

2. the technique used to produce champlevé enamels.

champlevé British  

/ 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

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noun

1. an object enamelled by this process

Etymology

Origin of champlevé

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; see camp ¹, lever

Example Sentences

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 • Apr. 14, 2022

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 • Apr. 1, 2022

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 • Apr. 4, 2015

These were champlevé enamel plaques that were once attached to a large processional cross.

From New York Times • Nov. 18, 2011

It helps one to understand the differences and similarities in enamelled work, to observe the three general forms in which it is employed; these are, the cloisonné, the champlevé, and the painted enamel.

From Arts and Crafts in the Middle Ages A Description of Mediaeval Workmanship in Several of the Departments of Applied Art, Together with Some Account of Special Artisans in the Early Renaissance by Addison, Julia de Wolf Gibbs