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