Chasing

Definition

Chasing is a metalworking technique that involves creating designs or patterns by hammering or embossing the surface of a metal object. This technique can be used to enhance the visual appeal and intricacy of various metal items, particularly in decorative arts, making it significant in the context of artistic expressions found in ancient cultures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chasing was commonly used in ancient East Asian cultures, particularly in the production of decorative metal objects such as jewelry and ceremonial items.
2. The technique is often employed to create intricate designs on gold crowns, enhancing their aesthetic appeal and cultural significance.
3. In combination with other techniques like repoussé, chasing allows artisans to create layered textures and complex motifs on metal surfaces.
4. The process requires a high level of skill and precision, as each hammer stroke must be controlled to achieve the desired depth and detail in the design.
5. Chased designs often hold symbolic meanings, reflecting the beliefs and values of the cultures that produced them, making them important for understanding historical contexts.

Review Questions

• How does chasing differ from other metalworking techniques like repoussé?
  • Chasing involves hammering or embossing a design directly onto the surface of a metal object, while repoussé shapes the metal from the reverse side to create a raised design on the front. Both techniques are used to add texture and detail to metalwork, but they differ in their approach. Chasing is more focused on surface decoration, whereas repoussé can create deeper three-dimensional forms.
• Discuss how chasing contributes to the artistic value of Silla gold crowns and Goguryeo tomb paintings.
  • Chasing enhances the artistic value of Silla gold crowns by adding intricate details that reflect status and cultural significance. The skillful use of this technique can depict motifs that carry symbolic meanings related to power and spirituality. In Goguryeo tomb paintings, while not directly involved in chasing, the vibrancy and detail in metalwork complement the overall narrative conveyed through painted imagery, showcasing a unified aesthetic approach in funerary practices.
• Evaluate the impact of chasing on our understanding of East Asian art and culture from historical perspectives.
  • Chasing serves as a vital link to understanding East Asian art and culture, revealing insights into the technological skills, aesthetic values, and socio-political structures of ancient societies. By analyzing chased artifacts, scholars can trace cultural exchanges and influences among different regions, highlighting how artisans employed this technique to convey meaning and status. Additionally, the presence of chased designs in ceremonial objects reflects ritualistic practices and beliefs that shaped social hierarchies within these cultures.

Related terms

Repoussé: A metalworking technique similar to chasing, where the metal is shaped from the reverse side to create a design that stands out on the front.

Lacquerware: Artisan-crafted objects coated with lacquer, often featuring intricate designs and sometimes incorporating metalwork, which can include chased elements.

Goldsmithing: The craft of working with gold and other precious metals to create jewelry, decorative objects, and art pieces, often employing techniques like chasing for detailed designs.