Thailand and Nielloware

Nielloware in Thailand is a very common term. The name is derived from the word niello, the plural of which is nielli. The Italian form of this Latin word is known as nigellum. This is actually a tiny word of niger i.e. black. The word nigellum actually referred as the amalgamation of black color that is used in ‘nielloing’ somewhere in the Middle Ages. In Renaissance time the term ‘niello’ comes in place of nigellum.

The official meaning or definition of Nielloware is mentioned in Royal Dictionary in Thailand. In 1950 version the definition comes like this, “The manner of making receptacles by means of the application of a lead amalgam, superimposed upon or poured into incised designs. This type of container is referred to as ‘Nielloware’”

There are different terms which are related to this art form. As a matter of fact Niello is the black inlay which chiefly consists of the sulphides of copper, silver and also lead. The amount of the ingredients obviously varies according to the mode of application. It also varies according to the application of the amalgam and the composition of the objective on which Niello is used.

It is a known fact in Thailand that every Niello artist inherits a secret making process for his own Niello liquid. Nielloware is a term that is usually use to describe any man made object that has used Niello amalgam. Most of the Niello objects are made of gold and silver. Some are also made of bronze, copper and brass. Thai people think that Nielloware object should made of pure silver with 92.5% purity.

Some of the famous Nielloware artist in Thailand can be named as Mr. Songwut Khongwan, Mrs. Butsabakorn Khongwan, Mr. Adison Chantarangsee, Professor Wichian Na Nakon, etc.