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Article: Repoussé and chasing

Repoussé and chasing

Etymology and Terminology

  • Repoussé is a French word meaning 'pushed up' derived from Latin 'pulsare' which means to push.
  • Repoussage is the noun referring to the technique.
  • Repoussé is an adjective used to describe a piece to which the technique has been applied.
  • Chasing comes from the French word 'chasser' which means to drive out or chase around.
  • Artists use chasing to create their final design on metal.

History

  • Repoussé and chasing techniques date back to Antiquity.
  • They have been widely used with gold, silver, copper, tin, and bronze.
  • In the Middle East during the 3rd millennium BC, semi-mass production methods were introduced for repoussé work.
  • Greek armor plates from the 3rd century BC showcase classical repoussage and chasing.
  • Roman silver cups and treasures, such as the Mildenhall Treasure, also feature these techniques.

Techniques in Different Cultures

  • European Prehistory and Bronze Age:
  • Sheet gold could be pressed into designs carved in intaglio.
  • Wax or lead force was hammered over the gold to work it into the designs.
  • Patterned punches made from loops or scrolls of wire were used.
  • The Gundestrup cauldron, a Celtic product, had repoussé relief on thirteen separate silver panels.
  • Cameo relief was used to create greater detail on the back of the final design.
  • Ancient Egypt:
  • In the Amarna period (1400 BC), resin and mud were used for repoussé backing.
  • The mummy mask of Tutankhamun showcases repoussé technique with inlaid stones.
  • Ceremonial beard, Nekhbet vulture, and Uraeus were attached separately.
  • Repoussé was extensively used in Egyptian art and artifacts.
  • The technique allowed for fine detailing on gold and other materials.
  • India:
  • Repoussé and chasing are commonly used in India to create water vessels.
  • Copper and silver sheets are often used for these objects.
  • Indian craftsmen have mastered the art of repoussé and chasing.
  • The techniques have been passed down through generations.
  • Indian repoussé work is known for its intricate designs and craftsmanship.

Process and Techniques

  • Lining:
  • Plate is held by pitch, front side up.
  • Design outline is lightly chased on the plate using a liner tool.
  • Liner creates narrow raised lines on the other side.
  • Repoussé and chasing:
  • Plate is turned over and firmed over the pitch, back side up.
  • Main repoussé work is performed using various punches.
  • Plate is released by heating and cavities on the back side are filled with melted pitch.
  • Plate is turned over and placed on a layer of softened pitch.
  • Design is refined by chasing, alternating between repoussé and chasing.
  • Hot forming:
  • Repoussé and chasing can be done on hard materials like steel.
  • Heating the piece makes it malleable for forging.
  • Pitch may be replaced by materials like sand that can withstand the heat.
  • Tools:
  • Container for pitch (pitch tray or cast iron pitch bowl).
  • Heat gun or blow torch to soften or release the pitch.
  • Set of punches with different tips (liner, planisher, doming or dotting tool, matting tool, hollow-faced punch).
  • Lightweight chasing hammer.
  • Oxyacetylene torch, blowtorch, or forge for annealing or hot-working.

Examples in Art

  • Gallery:
  • Examples of face masks in repoussé and chasing:
  • Princess, Cheng Kingdom, 1018 CE.
  • Agamemnon, Mycenae, ca. 1600 BCE.
  • Woman or goddess, Gundestrup Cauldron, Celtic, ca. 100 BCE.
  • Man or god, Gundestrup Cauldron, Celtic, ca. 100 BCE.
  • King Teres I, Thracia, 431 BCE.

Repoussé and chasing Data Sources

Reference URL
Glossary https://harryandcojewellery.com.au/blogs/glossary/repoussé-and-chasing
Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Repoussé_and_chasing
Wikidata https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q656884
Knowledge Graph https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/0275jn

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