Copper box with althea design in damascene inlay

Description

• Category
  Metalwork
• Materials
  Copper
• Dimensions
  H 14.2 x W 17.1 x D 9.8 cm
• Year presented
  2024
• Rarity
  Unique

Techniques Used

Chisel engraving

Chisel engraving (hori) consists of using engraving chisels to embellish the surface of metalwork. Techniques include standard hairline engraving (kebori) performed with a V-shaped chisel, wedge-shaped dot engraving (keribori) performed with a triangular chisel, and metal cutting (hatsuribori) performed with especially sharp flat chisels.

Metal inlay

In metal inlay (zōgan), designs are cut into the surface of a piece and inlaid with a different metal of contrasting color or texture.

Metal overlay

In metal overlay (nunome zōgan), a chisel is used to create patterns of fine crosshatching over which leaves of gold, silver, or lead may be affixed to create decorative surface details. Literally “cloth-pattern inlay,” nunome zōgan takes its name from the distinctive crosshatching pattern used to affix the metal leaf.

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Selected exhibitions

• The 71st Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (2024)
• Selected