Ancient Russian Niello: Experimental Modeling and Research of the Microstructure

Abstract

The paper presents the results of structural studies of model niello compositions reproducing historical niello inlays on encolpion crosses from the Suzdal Opolye. The specifics of the formation of inlay phases at different stages of its melting are analyzed. Comparison of the modeling results and historical niello shows that the microstructural features of archaeological samples correspond to niello production by melting.