What is basse-taille enamel?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Basse-taille is an enamelling technique in which the metal surface is first carved, engraved or chased to create a low-relief pattern, and then covered with translucent or semi-translucent coloured glass enamel. Because the enamel is transparent, the texture and depth of the metalwork beneath shows through, with the colour deepening in the recessed areas and lightening over the raised ones. The result is a lustrous, three-dimensional quality that fired opaque enamel cannot achieve. The technique was used to great effect in medieval goldsmithing and later by Fabergé.
Frequently asked questions
- How is basse-taille different from cloisonné?
- In cloisonné, the enamel is contained within wire cells soldered to the metal surface, and the enamel is usually opaque. In basse-taille, no cells are used; instead the metal itself is carved, and translucent enamel flows freely over the whole engraved surface, allowing the underlying design to show through.
- What metal is used for basse-taille?
- Gold and silver are the traditional metals for basse-taille because they reflect light back through the translucent enamel most effectively. The reflective surface beneath the clear glass amplifies the depth and luminosity of the colours.
- What is plique-à-jour and how does it differ from basse-taille?
- Plique-à-jour is also a translucent enamel technique, but the enamel is suspended without any metal backing, so light passes completely through it like stained glass. Basse-taille sits on a solid metal base, which reflects light back from underneath the enamel.
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