Texes Art EC-12 Practice Exam

What decorative technique involves ornamenting a flat surface with small grains of metal?

1. Granulation

2. Filigree

3. Inlay

4. Embroidery

The correct answer is: Granulation

Granulation is a decorative technique that specifically involves the application of small, granule-like particles of metal onto a flat surface, often creating intricate patterns and textures. This process not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the surface but also serves as a method for joining metal pieces without soldering. The tiny grains are fused to the base metal through heat, allowing for detailed designs that appear to float on the surface. While other techniques like filigree involve thin wires of metal twisted or arranged into delicate designs, and inlay consists of embedding different materials (including metal) into a base to create contrasting patterns, neither approach uses small grains in the same distinctive manner as granulation. Embroidery, on the other hand, refers to decorative stitching on fabric, further distinguishing it from the metal-based processes in the question. Thus, granulation stands out as the technique specifically characterized by the use of small metal grains for ornamentation.