(ちょうきん)

ちょうきん
noun
metal engraving; metal carving
1. metal engraving; metal carving; chasing
The art or technique of engraving, carving, or embossing designs on metal surfaces, including jewelry making and decorative metalwork.
彫金(ちょうきん)技術(ぎじゅつ)(まな)ぶ。
To learn the art of metal engraving.
祖父(そふ)彫金(ちょうきん)()として長年(ながねん)(はたら)いていた。
My grandfather worked for many years as a metal engraving artisan.
この指輪(ゆびわ)には繊細(せんさい)彫金(ちょうきん)(ほどこ)されており、職人(しょくにん)(たか)(わざ)がうかがえる。
This ring features delicate metalwork engraving, revealing the artisan's exceptional skill.

A compound of ()る (to carve/engrave) and (きん) (metal). Refers to a traditional Japanese metalworking craft that encompasses various techniques including engraving, chasing, repoussé, and inlay work on metals such as gold, silver, copper, and iron.

In Japan, 彫金(ちょうきん) has a long history connected to sword fittings (刀装具(とうそうぐ)), Buddhist statuary, and ornamental objects. Today it is also widely practiced as a jewelry-making technique and is offered as a workshop experience at craft studios.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 彫金(ちょうきん)(ほどこ)す: to apply metal engraving
  • 彫金(ちょうきん)(): metal engraving artisan
  • 彫金(ちょうきん)教室(きょうしつ): metal engraving class
  • 彫金(ちょうきん)体験(たいけん): metal engraving workshop experience

RELATED TERMS:

  • 鍛金(たんきん): metal forging (shaping metal by hammering)
  • 鋳金(ちゅうきん): metal casting
  • 象嵌(ぞうがん): inlay work