Different enamel techniques in Russian silver

[Postnikov]

Imperial Russian enamel works are one of the best in the world and have no equal in respect of the colours, translucence and workmanship. The tremendous success at several world exhibitions was absolute magnificent - even today after more than 130 years. I will give a short, simple explanation of the mainly used different techniques and will ad some photos for a better understanding:

Enamel cloisonné

Twisted wires are soldered to the surface in a certain pattern to build small cells which were filled with translucent enamel in different colurs and shades.



Enamel cloisonné with enamel painting

The same as before only certain spaces were also painted with enamel (not translucent)



Enamel champlevé

The surface is in a certain pattern engraved and filed with enamel (not translucent)



Enamel champlevé with enamel painting

The same as before only certain spaces were painted with enamel (not translucent)



Enamel painting

The object or parts were painted with enamel



Enamel plique-a-jour

The most difficult technique!

an object get a transparent pattern (holes etc. in the surface), which was later filled with transparent enamel - churchwindow optic.



Regards
Postnikov

[dognose]

I never cease to be amazed at the beauty of such objects. Thanks for sharing and describing the techniques used on these wonderful pieces.

Regards Trev.

[piette]

Hi Postnikov,
This is an incredibly beautiful object, may I ask, how are the shaded enamelling techniques such as the ones used to colour the birds done?

These two cases are also very beautiful, who is the maker of each?
Am I right in thinking that the second one of the two, is in the style of the 11th Artel? I say this because of the triangular cells, along with the hazy enamel colouring and the use of creams and the earthy green colours..

You have some beautiful items here, and the information is very interesting.

Regards,
Piette

[Postnikov]

Hi -
the shading was made with brush and enamel color after the first "baking" in the oven.
The two cases you mentioned are: the white one Aleksejev, the other Samoschin.

Regards
Postnikov