posted 10-28-2003 11:28 AM            

I have often seen and heard the term reticulated used to identify silver with pierced or cutout designs on it.

What is the history to this. Reticulation is a term used to identify the wrinkled surface texture created when overheating occurs on metal alloys. (over simplified description). It is also a term used in printmaking to describe the surface texture of created when powdered rosin is dusted over an etching plate and then heated so the fine particles of rosin combine into globules that allow for a soft ground in to be etched.

I often see reticulation misused to describe designs cutout with a saw or punch.

Perhaps I am mistaken.
Any comments?

Fred

posted 10-28-2003 12:39 PM            

Reticulated \Re*tic"u*la`ted\, a. [L. reticulatus. See Reticule.]

1. Resembling network; having the form or appearance of a net; netted; as, a reticulated structure.
   
2. Having veins, fibers, or lines crossing like the threads or fibers of a network; as, a reticulate leaf; a reticulated surface; a reticulated wing of an insect.
   
3. To mark with lines resembling a network.

posted 10-28-2003 02:15 PM            

Thanks for the info. I like your French terms better. Of day... daylight. Yes much better.

I suppose that reticulation does describe the design and not technique of these pierced pieces.

Reticulation as technique and design was so fabulously executed by Fabrege in his cigarette cases.

The 830 alloy used by Russian and European craftsmen makes some of the best reticulated surfaces.

Does anyone know of other examples (other than current craftsmen) of the use of reticulation in work?

Fred