Sgraffito
Sgraffito is a ceramic decorative technique in which patterns are created by scratching through a surface layer of slip to reveal the contrasting clay body beneath. The name comes from the Italian word sgraffiare, meaning "to scratch".
In this technique, a layer of colored slip is first applied to the surface of a clay vessel while it is still in a leather-hard state. After the slip has partially dried, the potter scratches or carves designs through the slip layer using sharp tools. This process exposes the underlying clay body and creates contrasting lines or patterns.
The resulting decoration often consists of linear motifs, geometric patterns, or stylized images. Because the design is cut into the slip layer, the contrast between the slip and the clay body remains visible after glazing and firing.
Sgraffito decoration may be used with transparent glazes that preserve the contrast between the carved lines and the surrounding slip surface. The technique has appeared in many ceramic traditions worldwide and can also be combined with other decorative processes such as slip coatings or carved textures.
