Hammering (metal finishing)

Refers to the process of striking metal with a hammer or other instrument in order to create a vessel or other shape, or to create decoration. The oldest technique may have been to create a thin disk of metal by hammering it into a hollow carved in a block of wood. A vessel may be slowly raised by being struck on the outside surface using a specially shaped hammer and anvil. Embossing or repoussé work use hammering to create a design or pattern in a metal object, usually by hammering from the back of the piece.