sgrafitto

Sgrafitto (often spelled sgraffito) is a decorative technique in which a surface layer of contrasting color is scratched away to reveal underlying layers. The term comes from Italian sgraffare, to scratch through, and the practice is used in both ceramics and wall or plaster painting.

In ceramics, a slip or underglaze of one color is applied over a contrasting body or glaze. When the top layer is damp or leather-hard, a sharp tool is used to carve lines and shapes, exposing the color beneath. In plaster or wall painting, a lime-based plaster or tinted layer is laid on and allowed to set; a second color is applied, and the artist scratches through the upper layer to reveal the lower one, producing crisp lines and patterns. The results are typically linear motifs, borders, or figurative designs, depending on the scale and tools used.

Sgrafitto has roots in ancient and medieval craft and was refined in Italian maiolica during the Renaissance, where it yielded intricate vessels and dishware with bold motifs. It also appears in architectural decorations and fresco programs across various periods. Today the technique remains popular among ceramists and conservators, valued for its ability to create strong color contrasts and precise line work.