This week, for the Daily Post Challenge, «Pattern», I have chosen a craftwork that is made in Toledo, Spain: Damascene Work.
As it is made by hand, it is impossible to find two pieces alike…
The work is hard:
-1º: Artisans have to shape the piece of iron or steel they are going to work with.
-2º: They have to mark it: to créate lines, shapes….All with a little chisel.
-3º: Here it comes: they have to embed a gold thread, or a silver one, or even a tiny gold sheet with a flat base punch very small (1 mm diameter!)
-4º:Then they use a wider punch (well…Only 3 mm diameter!) and a special hammer, to fix the threads or the sheets with a lot of accuracy…
-5º: After, the piece must be darkened through a chemical process.
-6º: Finally, the artist must still burnish the piece with burins and chisels to polish it, to increase or decrease contrast…
And here is the result….
I have to say I love it!!!! What about you? Do you like it?
ilargia64 
Me encanta..!! I used to have a sword made in Toledo. My brother bought it for me as a birthday gift one year. I have since lost it. But it was beautiful..!! The workmanship was amazing.
So, now you have a good excuse to go and visit Toledo, and get lost in its streets….:)
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It’s fantastic, isn’t it? Beautiful patterns, and such rich, gorgeous colour. After my little introduction to working with silver, I can only imagine how difficult it is to work with the softer metals into iron. Fantastic choice for the challenge Ilargia. 🙂
Thanks a lot M,! Yes, you are really right!!! It is difficult and must be done with a lot of accuracy…Even with the hammer, there are some artisans who say there must be a certain rythm…
I am glad you like it!
L ♡ V E I T !!! ♡ Just amazing !! Do you own a piece?
Yes…Both of the pieces you see on the pics are mine…The first one is a Little sword made to open letters, imitates the sword of Charles V, Spanish Emperor.
The second one is a dish, about 12 cm diameter…They are no very big but both are really hand made…It is posible to find small and big things…(It only depends on your money!!:))
I cannot imagine owning such special hand crafted ancient piece! Please insure for future generations! I would love to see such a thing in person!
No..Thery are not ancient..They are hand made but few years ago..This is the nice thing about Damascene work..It is still done…
Wonderful still. just the craftsmanship.
Hello Ilargia, I am going to tell you something sad….That sword (letter opener) is fake, it is not handmade. The plate is handmade. My name is Raquel, I am a damascene artisan in Toledo, my father is also a damascene craftman. We own two stores. If you want to have a look at genuine handmade damascene , see http://www.facebook.com/damasquinado
Sorry 😦
Well…Qué se le va a hacer!!! Creo que ya me imaginaba algo…Pero el plato es precioso, verdad? Muchas gracias de todas formas!!! 🙂
🙂
Not for nothing Toledo was famous for its swords and finely wrought handwork in decorating them. Do I like it? I admire it. Grazie Iargia !
You are very right Vera…There have always been big artisans in Toledo…I have been reading in the XV and XVI century they were really important, and then again in the XVIII….
Even now, most of the arms for films are made there…
Glad you like it!
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It is beautiful and worth the effort.
Thanks a lot!!! Yes, I think so….It is nice there are still artisans trying to give their best…
I wonder how long it can take for someone to get good enough to do that. Must be a lot of hours of practice before becoming a master!
For sure!!!
definitely love it 🙂
Thanks a lot kz!!!
Beautiful!
I am glad you like it!!!!
Wonderful art work!
I agree! I am glad you like iit! Thanks for visiting
Mucho gracias! I was given a pendant back when I was in high school done like this, with multiple metals inlaid. I always wondered how it was done! Beautiful!
I am glad you found the answer now…Thanks for visiting!
I saw the sword and immediately GoT theme song began playing in my head.
🙂
Beautiful craftsmanship and excellent photography. Nice job on the close-up shots of those patterns.Brava!
Thanks a lot for your kind words!!! I am so glad you like it!
Have a nice day!
Wow, that is beautiful! Such intricate work!
Thanks Fergie! Glad you like it!!!
What beautiful work. They are for heroes! 🙂
Indeed!!!
Incredible handiwork. Toledo has moved up my list of Spanish cities to visit. I have seen so little of Spain, I think next year has to be my year to see much. much more.
You would love it Debbie!!!
You know? I have been this weekend in Burdeos…And I took some pics thinking of you…Wonderful shop windows…:)
impressive details !
Thans a lot!!