champlevé

Champlevé is an enamelling technique in which the enamel is formed in hollowed cells or depressions carved or etched into a metal support, typically copper or bronze. After the cells are filled with vitreous enamel and fired, the surface is ground smooth to a uniform plane with the metal.

The depressions are produced by engraving, stamping, or drilling the metal. Enamel powders are sifted into the cells, and the object is fired in a kiln to fuse the glass. When cool, the surface is filed or ground flush and polished; several firings may be used to build color.

Materials used include base metals such as copper, bronze, silver, or gold, with vitreous enamel as the glassy coating. The colors are achieved by mineral oxides added to the enamel frit. Finishes may involve gilding, patination, or burnishing the surrounding metal.

Champlevé differs from cloisonné, where thin metal wires create compartments, whereas champlevé relies on carved or etched depressions to hold enamel. The technique is closely related to basse-taille, which uses engraved ground in combination with translucent enamel to show metal beneath.

Historically, champlevé developed in medieval Europe, reaching prominence in 12th–14th century French workshops, especially around Limoges. It was used on liturgical objects, reliquaries, book covers, and jewelry. The method declined in the later Middle Ages and was revived in the 19th century.

Today, champlevé continues to be practiced by enamel artists and craft studios, often within historical revival styles or in contemporary jewelry, preserving the technique's distinctive hollow-field effect.