A combination of strong and weak lines of engraving and hatching-like engraving

Fusion of Japanese traditional crafts, metal engraving and engraving

The traditional Japanese technique of metal engraving and the overseas technique of decorating metals, engraving, seem to be similar techniques, but the approaches to using each decorative technique are quite different.

In recent years, many people have been confusing etching and engraving, so rather than nitpicking about the small differences, I think it's fine for each individual to just understand the differences.

Just to be clear, etching is a decorative method that uses corrosion to melt the metal being processed into the shape of a pattern, while engraving is a method of carving a pattern into the metal using a metal carving knife.

The difference between engraving and engraving

Although the differences between engraving and engraving lie in the finer details of how they are carved and how they are decorated, there is no difference in the fact that they are both done by carving and decorating.

When I explain this to people from overseas, I also describe it as engraving decoration.

Although it depends on the type of product the decoration is being used for, engraving decoration often involves applying ink to make the pattern black.

So does Hawaiian jewelry also have to be inked? No, it is not.

On the other hand, does engraving not involve inking? In some cases it does involve inking, so it is difficult to say what the difference is in that respect.

If you want to point out a clear difference, engraving is the technique of striking a chisel with a hammer and carving towards you, while engraving is done by pressing with the hand and carving towards the back from your perspective.

However, in other countries there is a technique of holding the chisel upside down and hitting it with a hammer to carve towards the back, so the difference is whether you carve towards the front or towards the back.

Metal engraving combining three-dimensional and superficial engraving

This type of engraving can be used to create a variety of decorations by carving deeply with a single-cutting chisel, giving the carved pattern a three-dimensional visual effect, or by using a hair-carving chisel to carve fine lines into the surface, giving it a multi-faceted appearance.

With a single-cut chisel, it is possible to control the strength just as if you were using a brush.

It is also possible to carve very thin lines like a hair carving chisel, which is why it is called hair carving.

By combining these techniques, it is possible to express shadows.

The flower carving techniques seen during the Showa period can be said to have been modeled after these styles.