Janet Kaiser on mon 15 oct 01
We tend to think of 'enamel colours' or 'overglaze
enamels' (their full title/s) or 'enamels' (for short)
as on-glaze pigments, which are applied to already
fired glazed ware and then fired again (usually to a
low temperature) to fix them. First introduced in 15thC
China, they are really just soft coloured fritts. They
usually wear off with use, but originally/historically
they were the only way of adding really colourful
decoration to high-fired ceramics, beyond the limited
colours produced by using iron, manganese, copper and
cobalt.
However, the word/term 'enamel' is sometimes used to
indicate an earthenware glaze (containing lead and
silica) which has been made white/opaque by adding tin
oxide and (sometimes) stained. Although it is called
enamel, it's full title is actually 'tin-enamel'.
Tin-enamelled ware (also known as 'stanniferious' ware)
is technically similar to majolica and maiolica, just
to confuse the issue even further! So in fact "enamel"
may mean a "real glaze" in some instances, especially
in historic collections and museums.
Another enamel is a term referring to sanitary ware. In
the old days 'hard enamel' or 'vitreous enamel' for
sinks, lavatories and baths was a selling/advertising
point. Indeed some Victorian tile manufacturers would
plug the hardness of the 'enamels' on their products,
underlining their hygienic properties in homes and
institutions.
Yet another 'enamel' may be mentioned at the
dentist's... Referring to both your own teeth and those
third sets (partial or full).
Non are synonymous with the 'enamel' used on metal, but
all the above (except your teeth!) are closely related.
Cast iron baths had an 'enamel' coating which would
wear off in time, but they have long been replaced by
plastic. Of course beyond ceramics, 'enamel' means
simply a very hard, glossy coating. Enamel paints are
just harder versions of ordinary paints and durability
is implied by the word. Even nail varnish may be
referred to as enamel.
Janet Kaiser
The Chapel of Art . Capel Celfyddyd
HOME OF THE INTERNATIONAL POTTERS' PATH
Criccieth LL52 0EA, GB-Wales Tel: (01766) 523570
E-mail: postbox@the-coa.org.uk
WEBSITE: http://www.the-coa.org.uk
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