Enamel

(en-ăm'ěl.) [Fr. émail.] (Applied Chem.) A vitrifiable substance, chiefly formed of the oxides of lead and tin, with soda and silica, in the shape of powdered quartz or flint. These, when melted together, yield a white E. Other metallic oxides are employed to communicate colors to the white basis. E. are distinguished into transparent and opaque; in the former, ali the elements have experienced an equal degree of liqueefaction, and are thus run into crystal gla ; while in the others, some of their elements have resisted the action of heat, so that their particles retain sufficient aggregation to prevent the transmi ion of light. E. are used either in imitating precious stones, in painting in E., or in the ornamentation of gold, silver, and other metals. The faces of watches are commonly enamelled. Of modern E., the Champlevé, the Cloisonné, and Limoges, are most prized by collectors. This art is of such great antiquity as to render it difficult, if not impo ible, to trace it to its origin. It was practised by the Egyptians in very remote times, as appears from the ornaments that have been found on the envelopes of mummies.It pa ed from Egypt into Greece, and afterwards into Rome and its pro vs. Iron cooking-ve els are now coated with E., and in a very permanent manner, the fire having no effect on them. Artificial eyes are formed so skilfully in E., that it is difficult, when in use, to discover that they are not real.-(Printing.) E. painting is performed upon metal previously covered with a glazed ground. This kind of painting can only be done in small pieces; and it stands in the same relation to porcelain-painting that miniature does to watercolor painting. The metals used are gold and copper; the latter is usually gilt; silver is never used, because that metal is liable to blister, and otherwise injure the E.; and bra is of too fusible a quality. The colors are melted in the fire, where they take a lustre like that of gla . This painting is prized for its peculiar brightne and vividne , which are very permanent, the colors not being effaced or sullied by time. Jean Petitot, a Genevese, B. in 1607, acquired great celebrity as a painter in E., and his works are much sought after by collectors. The town of Limoges in France was already celebrated in the 12th century for its E., distinguished, among other peculiarities, by the use of a transparent color with small globules having the effect of gems. Its most celebrated artists were Léonard Limous in in the time of François I., and Jean Landin in the reign of Henri IV. [s. 329]