Arts & Culture
Sgraffito in Renaissance Pottery
Quick fact
The word 'sgraffito' comes from Italian 'graffiare' meaning 'to scratch,' and Renaissance potters used this technique to produce two-tone designs by cutting through a layer of white slip to expose the reddish clay underneath, often finishing with a transparent glaze.
Why this is interesting
You've probably seen Renaissance pottery with bold patterns scratched into the surface—ever wondered how those designs were made without paint or glaze?