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.

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. 2018

Examples from the Web for sgraffito

Historical Examples of sgraffito

The roof and part of the walls are decorated with sgraffito work.
A History of Giggleswick School
Edward Allen Bell
Finally, the limitations of sgraffito as a method of expression are the same as those of all incised or line work.
Arts and Crafts Essays
Various
Sgraffito work may claim a special aptitude for design whose centre of aim is line.
Arts and Crafts Essays
Various
The sgraffito pottery is a red earthenware, coated with a white slip through which designs have been incised.
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

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