sgraffito

[skrah-fee-toh; Italian zgrahf-fee-taw]

noun, plural sgraf·fi·ti [skrah-fee-tee; Italian zgrahf-fee-tee] /skrɑˈfi ti; Italian zgrɑfˈfi ti/.

a technique of ornamentation in which a surface layer of paint, plaster, slip, etc., is incised to reveal a ground of contrasting color.

an object, especially pottery, decorated by this technique.

Nearby words

Compare graffito.

Origin of sgraffito

1720–30; < Italian, past participle of sgraffire to do graffito work, derivative of sgraffio a scratch, implement for drawing, itself derivative of (s)graffiare to scratch, draw on plaster with a pointed tool; see ex¹, graffito

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for sgraffito

The sgraffito ware probably served as much for decoration as for practical use.
North Devon Pottery and Its Export to America in the 17th Century|C. Malcolm Watkins
Also significant is the fact that no sgraffito ware occurs here.
North Devon Pottery and Its Export to America in the 17th Century|C. Malcolm Watkins
However, certain kinds of sgraffito ware continued to be made without apparent interruption until early in the present century.
North Devon Pottery and Its Export to America in the 17th Century|C. Malcolm Watkins
Sgraffito, an Italian process, is more difficult than inlaying, but the effect is similar.
Industrial Arts Design|William H. Varnum

The apparently complete disappearance of the sgraffito table wares suggests that they ceased to be made about 1700.
North Devon Pottery and Its Export to America in the 17th Century|C. Malcolm Watkins

British Dictionary definitions for sgraffito

sgraffito

noun plural -ti (-tɪ)

a technique in mural or ceramic decoration in which the top layer of glaze, plaster, etc, is incised with a design to reveal parts of the ground

such a decoration

an object decorated in such a way

Word Origin for sgraffito

C18: from Italian, from sgraffire to scratch; see graffiti

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012