Enamels.
Enamelling is the master art craft of the world, and the enamels of Jaipur in Rajputana rank before all others, and are of matchless perfection. There are three forms of enamelling followed.
In the first the enamel is simply applied to the metal as paint is applied to canvas ; and in the second, translucent enamels are laid over a design which has been etched on, or hammered [repousse], out of the metal. Both these are comparatively modern methods. The third form of enamelling by encrustation is very ancient, and is known under two varieties, namely, the cloisonne , in which the pattern is raised on the surface of the metal by means of strips of metal or wire welded on to it ; and the champ- leve, in which the pattern is cut out of the metal itself. In both varieties the pattern is filled in with the enamel. In all forms of true enamelling the coloring glaze has to be fused on to the metal. There is indeed a fourth form of enamelling, practised by the Japanese. They paint in the pattern coarsely, as in the first form, and then outline it with strips of copper or gold, to imitate true cloisonne enamels. The Jaipur enamelling is champlevL A round plate among the Prince of Wales’ Indian presents is the largest specimen of it ever produced. It took four years in the making, and is in itself a monument of the Indian enameller’s art. Another notable example of it is the beautiful covered cup and saucer, and spoon, belonging to Lady Mayo. The bowl of the spoon is cut out of a solid emerald, and, as in all Hindu sacrificial spoons, from which it is designed, is in the same plane with the
