This paper describes and names the types of chasing and repoussé tools used historically and across different cultures and times to create complex patterned and figurative surfaces on sheet and solid metal objects. This has not been done to this depth in other published work. It addresses tool purposes, procedural approaches and results. It reviews basic hardening and tempering for making a chasing tool. Historical sources are reviewed and addressed. The paper also addresses how to identify the shape of a tool from the mark on the chased metalwork, allowing the identification of tool forms and types from historical work. The case will be made that chased surfaces have a place in current production model-making as they provide detailed decorative and relief surfaces that have the “human” touch.

Author: Charles Lewton-Brain