Repoussé

Repoussé, the traditional art of hand-hammering decorative relief into sheet metal, dates back to 800BC, and in Chinese historical context, can be found as early as the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.). This laborious technique involves using a hammer and various shaping tools. Form and design are achieved by working on both sides of the sheet metal. Sections in relief are worked from the interior while depressed or concave sections are worked from the exterior. Pitch, a material similar to putty, is used as a filler for hollow forms, or to hold sheet metal in place while the artist works on the design. The pitch absorbs the blows from the hammer and provides proper resistance for the artist to execute the design.