Repousse

Repousse involves hammering metal into intricate designs from the reverse side.

Part of speech: noun
Definition: In jewelry and metalworking, 'repousse' is a technique where metal is intricately shaped by hammering from the reverse side to create a design in low relief. This age-old practice allows artists to create detailed and raised patterns on the surface of metals such as gold, silver, and copper. The technique is often used in conjunction with chasing, which further refines the design on the front side by adding texture and detail. Repousse offers unique aesthetic qualities, giving depth and dimension to metal objects, and is popular in crafting items like jewelry, utensils, and decorative pieces, showcasing the high level of craftsmanship involved.