Damascening

Damascening decorates iron or steel by mechanically fixing a softer metal, commonly gold, silver or copper, into its surface. Wire or foil is hammered into engraved recesses or onto a finely crosshatched ground. The process requires neither solder nor heat.

Features

The bright inlay often contrasts with dark patinated steel. Damascening occurs on arms, jewellery, watch cases and decorative metalwork. It should be distinguished from etching, painting, plain engraving and pattern welded Damascus steel.

Assessment

Check whether the design is genuine metal inlay and whether crosshatching or engraved anchors are visible under magnification. Wear may leave the inlay uneven. The term identifies a technique, not an automatic geographical origin.

Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Metalworking: Damascening.