Repoussé

Definition

Repoussé is a metalworking technique that involves shaping metal by hammering it from the reverse side to create a design in relief. This method allows for intricate and detailed patterns, enhancing the aesthetic quality of metal objects. It has been widely used in various cultures, particularly in East Asia, for decorative purposes and to convey status through elaborate designs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In East Asian art, repoussé is frequently found in metal artifacts such as gold crowns and ceremonial objects, showcasing wealth and power.
2. The Silla kingdom was particularly known for its exquisite gold crowns, which often featured repoussé designs that symbolized authority.
3. Repoussé techniques were not limited to gold; artisans also employed this method on bronze and silver to create detailed artworks.
4. Goguryeo tomb paintings sometimes depicted scenes that were complemented by the use of repoussé metalwork, illustrating a connection between painting and sculpture.
5. This technique requires a high level of skill, as artisans must be precise in their hammering to ensure the design is both beautiful and structurally sound.

Review Questions

• How does the technique of repoussé enhance the artistic value of metal artifacts in East Asian cultures?
  • Repoussé enhances the artistic value of metal artifacts by allowing artisans to create intricate designs that stand out due to their relief form. This technique adds depth and texture to the surface of objects like gold crowns or ceremonial items, making them visually appealing and significant. In cultures such as Silla, these elaborate designs not only serve aesthetic purposes but also signify the status and power of the individuals associated with them.
• Discuss how repoussé metalwork was utilized in conjunction with lacquerware in East Asian art.
  • In East Asian art, repoussé metalwork was often combined with lacquerware to produce items that showcased both the intricacy of metal designs and the rich colors provided by lacquer. Artisans would use repoussé techniques on metal bases and then apply layers of lacquer to enhance their visual impact. This combination allowed for a diverse range of decorative objects that reflected both skillful craftsmanship and cultural significance.
• Evaluate the role of repoussé in expressing social status and cultural identity within Goguryeo and Silla societies.
  • Repoussé played a critical role in expressing social status and cultural identity within Goguryeo and Silla societies by enabling the creation of elaborate gold crowns and ceremonial artifacts that conveyed authority and prestige. These items were often intricately designed using repoussé techniques, showcasing the technical skill of artisans while serving as symbols of power for their wearers. Additionally, such artifacts were integral to burial customs, reflecting not only individual status but also broader cultural values surrounding life, death, and the afterlife in these ancient societies.

Related terms

Chasing:

A technique similar to repoussé, where designs are engraved or embossed on the surface of the metal without altering its thickness.

Lacquerware: Artistic items made by applying layers of lacquer, often used in conjunction with metalwork, to create durable and decorative surfaces.

Goldsmithing: The craft of working with gold and other precious metals to create jewelry and decorative objects, often utilizing techniques like repoussé.