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

Underglaze, un-dėr-glāz′, adj. suitable for underglaze painting, of a pigment.—Underglaze painting, in ceramics, painting in a vitrifiable pigment before the glaze is applied.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various