Durable earthenware engraving process

A method for durably engraving an earthenware item, said method comprising:

• (a) processing a digital image to produce an output image, wherein said output image comprises a plurality of pixels;
• (b) etching a burnable material to create peaks, valleys and indents corresponding to said output image to form a mold, wherein said burnable material comprises a surface roughness;
• (c) casting a flexible template against said mold to obtain a mirror image of said output image in said flexible template, wherein said flexible template is constructed from an incinerable material;
• (d) applying stain to said mirror image of said output image in said flexible template;
• (e) engaging said mirror image of said output image of said flexible template against a surface of the earthenware item in an unsintered state to record said output image by peaks and valleys in said surface of the earthenware item;
• and
• (f) bisque firing the earthenware item in the unsintered state to render a complementary image of said mirror image of said output image of said flexible template permanent.

A method for durably engraving an earthenware item, said method comprising:

• (a) processing a digital image to produce an output image, wherein said output image comprises a plurality of pixels;
• (b) etching a burnable material to create peaks, valleys and indents corresponding to said output image to form a mold;
• (c) applying colorant to said mold and removing excess colorant from said mold;
• (d) casting a flexible template against said mold to obtain a mirror image of said output image in said flexible template, wherein said flexible template is constructed from an incinerable material;
• (e) engaging said mirror image of said output image of said flexible template against a surface of the earthenware item in an unsintered state to record said output image by peaks and valleys in said surface of the earthenware item;
• and
• (f) bisque firing the earthenware item in the unsintered state to render a complementary image of said mirror image of said output image of said flexible template permanent.