underglaze

American  

[uhn-der-gleyz] / ˈʌn dərˌgleɪz /

adjective

1. (of a color or decoration) applied to a piece before the piece is glazed.

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noun

1. color or decoration applied to a piece before it is glazed.

underglaze British  

/ ˈʌndəˌɡleɪz /

adjective

1. ceramics applied to pottery or porcelain before the application of glaze

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noun

1. a pigment, etc, applied in this way

Etymology

Origin of underglaze

First recorded in 1875–80; under- + glaze

Example Sentences

When Ellie Alfeld asked whether her underglaze pencil lines were too thick, he assured her they were just right.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 25, 2025

The vase is a rare underglaze decorated with two squirrels hiding in a fruiting grapevine.

From BBC • May 11, 2025

It features a double glaze: a light matte green underglaze and on top, a brittle yellow glaze, almost translucent, that blisters during the firing process, creating holes that expose the green.

From New York Times • Jul. 6, 2023

Its seemingly flocked surface is velvety, not slick, with a chrome-yellow underglaze that gives the red surface the passionate crackle of fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2014

The most extensive application of coloured glazes was, however, that made by the Chinese, who developed this type of colour decoration before they used painted patterns in underglaze colour.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 6 "Celtes, Konrad" to "Ceramics" by Various