[expand]The granulation created texture through minute gold spheres applied to surface. The technique required extraordinary precision—each sphere was created individually by heating tiny gold fragments until surface tension pulled metal into perfect ball, then hundreds or thousands of spheres were positioned using tweezers or brush, adhesive holding them temporarily while final heating fused them permanently to base metal. The spacing needed to be uniform, the fusion sufficient for permanence but not so complete that spheres lost individual identity. The result was jewel-like surface catching light from multiple angles, creating sparkle and visual interest impossible through smooth gold alone.
The filigree wove gold wire into ornamental patterns. The wire was produced by drawing gold through progressively smaller holes, stretching metal into thin strands whose diameter could approach hair’s thickness. These wires were then twisted, braided, or coiled into decorative elements, soldered together and attached to base forms creating intricate openwork designs or surface decoration. The filigree’s delicacy required careful handling—the thin wires were fragile, soldering risked melting, and completed work needed protection from crushing or snagging. But the visual effect was spectacular—airy, three-dimensional decoration creating depth and complexity.
The repoussé shaped metal through hammering from reverse side. The craftsperson worked on yielding surface—pitch, sand-filled leather bag, or similar support—using variously shaped hammers and punches to gradually form design through thousands of small blows. The technique allowed creating relief designs where figures projected from background, three-dimensional forms from flat sheets, complex curved surfaces impossible through other methods. The skill lay in controlling metal flow—too much force thinned gold dangerously, insufficient force failed to move metal adequately, and uneven hammering created irregular surfaces requiring extensive correction.
The chasing worked from front side, creating detail and refining forms. After repoussé established basic relief, chasing tools added fine details—texture in animal fur, individual feathers, facial features, pattern elements. The chasing also leveled surfaces, removed hammer marks, and achieved uniform appearance. The combination of repoussé and chasing allowed craftspeople to create remarkably detailed three-dimensional work from flat gold sheet, transforming two-dimensional metal into sculptural objects.
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