Niello Technique

Niello is the term used to refer to the technique of inlaying a black mixture into engraved metal in order to make its design stand out through contrast. Once the mixture is poured onto the metal and the object is polished it creates a beautiful seamless appearance. The first samples of niello pattern have been recovered in Syria and date back to around 1800 BC. It was a very widespread technique in antiquity and many samples have been recovered, although the original niello has been lost or remains only in traces.