Closedwork

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A decorative textile or metal design featuring areas where the material is removed or open to create patterns while the remaining material forms the design structure
2. An ornamental technique where parts of a solid surface are cut out or pierced, leaving a pattern of openings bounded by uncut material in fabric, metal, or other materials
3. A style characterized by intricate patterns made by partially cutting or perforating a surface, resulting in a combination of solid areas and open spaces forming the design layout

Etymology: Closedwork is defined against openwork, and the contrast explains the name. In openwork, the pattern is cut all the way through the material, so light passes through the gaps. In closedwork, the design stays enclosed by a solid background, so the pattern is shut in rather than pierced. The term is a plain compound. "Closed" comes through Old French "clos" from Latin "clausus," the past participle of "claudere," meaning to shut, and "work" comes from Old English "weorc." The name describes the technique in its own terms, so its history is simply a description of what the work looks like.

Synonyms: filigree, latticework, openwork, pierced work, engraving

Antonyms: openwork, open lattice