noun
- Plural of niello; a black metallic alloy of sulfur, copper, silver, and lead used to fill engraved designs on metal surfaces for decorative effect.
- Decorative objects or artwork produced using the niello technique.
Usage: technical; art and metalwork
Usage: art history
Examples
- The museum displayed a collection of medieval niellos featuring intricate silver inlays.
- Renaissance craftsmen created stunning niellos by carefully applying the black alloy to engraved metal surfaces.
- The jewelry maker specialized in niellos, a technique that dates back centuries.
- Ancient Roman niellos have been discovered in archaeological excavations across Europe.
- The artist's niellos showcased remarkable detail and contrast between the dark alloy and polished metal.