An Experimental Approach Based on Developing Technical treatments using the enamel technique in the light of analyzing examples of museum artworks

Abstract

The current study aims to develop the teaching process in the Handcrafts course at Sultan Qaboos University by introducing technical treatments for the enameling technique as an approach for treating metal surfaces in handcrafts and jewelries. The study also aims to analyze examples of museum artworks whose surfaces have been treated with the enameling technique to determine the technical and aesthetical aspects for this technique. For this purpose, the researchers followed the historical and the descriptive analytical research methodology to investigate a number of the artworks examples to identify the styles and aesthetics of these treatments, which include (18) artworks across different eras and civilizations. The study conducted many experimental laboratory practices on the metal, as these practices focused on the technique of melting the glazed material, both transparent and opaque, onto the metal using the enameling technique in the furnaces designated for that. The artistic experiment was accomplished through three stages, the first of which is focusing on one color, then moving on to combining two colors. Finally, combine three or more colors.

The study ends up with several recommendations, the most important of which was to encourage the relevant authorities - crafts, arts and industries - to benefit from the potential of the enameling technique, and to disseminate its applications in the Sultanate of Oman and other Arab countries, in a way that enhances the cultural heritage in the field of handcrafts, art and creative industries, as well as working to develop handcraft courses in the specialized academic institutions. This allows the introduction of knowledge and applications of the enameling technique on a wider scale in the treatment of metal surfaces and practical applications in the field of handcrafts artworks.