Nielloware in Thailand - Materials

Materials

As discussed in the definition section there have been different terms associated with this art form. In the overview section there is a brief description of the specific composition of Niello. In brief, Niello is the "black inlay[s] consisting chiefly of the sulphides of silver, copper and lead."[50] The amounts of each one of the ingredients vary according to the mode of application of the amalgam as well as the composition of the object to which Niello is applied. According to tradition, in Thailand each Niello artist develops or inherits a secret recipe for making the Niello liquid.

In addition, Nielloware is the term used to describe any artifacts created using the Niello amalgam. In general, most Niello artifacts are made of silver or gold. Moreover, there are examples of Nielloware objects made of copper, bronze and brass.[51] In Thailand the Standards of Thai Silver Ware state that Nielloware objects should be made of silver with at least 92.5% of purity.[52]