pâte-sur-pâte

The technique of painting on porcelain in a semi-fluid white slip. Successive applications are made to build up the design in slight relief in white on a tinted ground, and the details are then carved before firing.

The technique was used in China in the 18th century, and was introduced into Europe in the 19th century, first at Sèvres and then at Meissen and Minton.