CESELLO. — Properly speaking, it is a steel tool used for drawing, engraving, raising, flattening, or cleaning the metal being worked; there are therefore various types of ceselli that take on particular names and serve for each of the different operations. In common usage, the term has come to mean the very delicate plastic work executed with this tool.
It is a very ancient technique, always associated with other specific methods of goldsmithing, such as embossing, damascening, niello, etc. Through the use of the cesello, effects of an almost laminar relief can indeed be achieved, which can give the works executed with this technique a remarkable airiness due to the diversity of planes; but in general, the volumes are somewhat reinforced by combining it with the technique of embossing. Works in cesello are frequently found in sacred goldsmithing from the Middle Ages to the modern age.
Cesello — Silver dish with embossed and chased work, featuring the depiction of the month of January. Florentine art of the 16th century — Florence, Gabinetto degli Argenti.