A metalworking technique where designs are hammered or pressed into metal from the front surface using specialized tools called chasing tools. This creates raised relief decoration and refined surface details on vessels, jewelry, and sculptural works.
From Old French 'chacier' meaning 'to chase' or 'pursue,' later 'enchaser' meaning 'to set' or 'mount.' The metalworking term developed from the idea of 'pursuing' or 'following' a design across the metal surface with tools.
Medieval Islamic metalworkers elevated chasing to extraordinary heights, creating intricate calligraphy and geometric patterns on brass and silver vessels that seem to flow like liquid script! The famous Bobrinsky Bucket shows how master chasers could make hard metal appear as fluid and graceful as silk.
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