kalanterointi

Kalanterointi is a Finnish term used in crafts and cultural history to describe the decorative finishing and adornment of objects, often within the broader category of galanteria, which covers small luxury items and ornamental articles. The concept centers on adding decorative value to functional objects through skilled finishing work.

In practice, kalan­terointi encompasses various techniques used to embellish materials such as metal, leather, wood, and textiles. Common methods include gilding with gold or metal leaf, engraving and chasing, enamelling, inlay and stone setting, as well as surface treatments like polishing, lacquering, and patination. The aim is to enhance aesthetics while maintaining or complementing the object's original function.

Historically, kalan­terointi appears in Finnish craft literature and inventories from the 19th and early 20th centuries, where workshops produced and finished decorative accessories such as belt buckles, clasps, purses, boxes, and other galanteria items. In museum contexts, the term is sometimes used to describe the original decorative finish on an object or the restoration of that finish to reflect its historical appearance.

In contemporary practice, kalan­terointi can refer to similar ornamentation techniques applied by artisans to modern objects, drawing on traditional methods. The term thus bridges historical craftsmanship and present-day decorative arts, emphasizing aesthetic refinement as an integral part of object-making. See also galanteria, jewelry, metalworking.