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How did Islamic metalworkers make damascened bronze objects?
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metalwork
Warrior and attendants plaque, brass relief sculpture by Edo artists in the court of the kingdom of Benin (now Nigeria), 16th–17th century; in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City.
Islamic metalworkers created damascened bronze objects through a sophisticated process of inlaying that transformed engraved surfaces into intricate works of art. This technique, which became particularly prominent under the Seljuq and Mamlūk dynasties, involved several precise steps:1
- Preparation: The surface of the bronze object was first prepared with an engraved design.1
- Undercutting: Craftsmen hollowed out the specific areas intended for decoration, carefully undercutting the edges of these channels to create a secure grip for the inlay material.21
- Inlaying: Delicate plates and wires made of silver or other precious metals—which were often themselves finely engraved—were placed into the prepared channels.1
- Hammering: The inlay material was forced into the undercut furrows using a hammer, ensuring the metal was securely locked into the bronze base.23
This method allowed for the creation of elaborate arabesque patterns, inscriptions, and figurative scenes, serving as a richer alternative to simple engraving.1