engobe Definition
- 1a thin layer of clay slip applied to a ceramic body to improve its appearance or to cover up defects
- 2a coating of slip applied to a piece of pottery before glazing
Using engobe: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "engobe" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The engobe gives the pottery a smooth and polished surface.
Example
The artist applied an engobe to the vase before firing it in the kiln.
Example
The engobe covers up the imperfections in the clay body.
engobe Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with engobe
terra sigillata
a type of engobe used in ancient Roman pottery, made from fine clay particles and pigments
Example
The terra sigillata on this ancient vase is still intact after all these years.
a decorative technique where a layer of engobe is scratched away to reveal the clay body underneath
Example
The intricate sgraffito design on this plate was created by scratching away the engobe with a sharp tool.
a type of engobe that is applied to the surface of pottery before glazing, often used for decorative purposes
Example
The underglaze on this bowl creates a beautiful blue and white pattern.
Summary: engobe in Brief
'Engobe' [ˈɛnɡəʊb] refers to a thin layer of clay slip applied to a ceramic body to improve its appearance or to cover up defects. It can also refer to a coating of slip applied to a piece of pottery before glazing. 'Engobe' is often used in decorative techniques like sgraffito and underglaze.