Which term means painting pigment directly on unfired porcelain before glazing?

• A. Rococo
• B. Stipple engraving
• C. Tenebrism
• D. Underglaze painting

Answer: (D)

Pigment application timing in porcelain decoration is what this item is about. When you apply pigment directly to unfired porcelain before the glaze is applied and the piece is fired, you’re doing underglaze painting. The glaze goes over the painted surface and the piece is fired, sealing the color beneath the transparent surface. This technique lets the colors stay sharp under the glaze and is different from painting on top of a finished glaze. The other terms refer to styles or methods outside of this process: Rococo is a decorative style, stipple engraving is a printmaking technique using dots, and tenebrism is a dramatic lighting style in painting. So underglaze painting is the correct term.