Chasing light in metal: the art of chiseling

Every strike leaves a mark, every chisel tells a story.

Chiseling is one of the oldest and most refined metalworking techniques—an art that transforms matter into movement and surfaces into stories. It is an entirely manual process, performed with chisels and punches that imprint shapes and details onto the metal’s surface without removing any material.

The secret of this technique lies in the preparation of the work base: the process takes place on a "pitch stone", a mixture of resins and waxes that, once heated and poured into a support, creates a surface that is both firm and flexible. When cooled, the pitch becomes the perfect support for the metal, offering an ideal balance between stability and elasticity. This characteristic allows it to absorb the force of the hammer strokes without compromising the structure of the metal, ensuring absolute precision even on curved or thin surfaces.

 

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1. Metal Preparation: before starting the chiseling process, the metal is carefully cleaned and, if necessary, heated to make it more malleable. The surface must be free of impurities to ensure a clean and precise engraving.

2. Fixing on Pitch: the piece is placed on a bed of pitch, a mixture of resins and waxes that supports the metal during the working process. The pitch provides the right balance between rigidity and elasticity, absorbing the energy of the hammer strikes and allowing for precise detailing without deforming the metal sheet.

3. Chiseling and Shaping: using chisels and punches of various shapes and sizes, the chisel artist begins to strike the metal with a light hammer. Through repeated and precise blows, they create reliefs, textures, and plays of light that add depth to the surface.

4. Finishing and Polishing: after chiseling, the piece is refined with files and brushes to smooth out any roughness and enhance the contrast between surfaces. Finally, patinas or gilding are applied to highlight the details and protect the metal.

Chiseling: a journey through Bronzetto's craftsmanship

Simone Calcinai, CEO of Il Bronzetto, takes us on a journey to discover one of the fundamental pillars of our artisanal craftsmanship: the technique of chiseling. Through his words, the value of a tradition that still lives on today in the hands of our artisans emerges, capable of transforming brass and bronze into unique works of art. A precious piece of Bronzetto's identity that continues to inspire each of our creations.

Watch the video

Chiseling in the Bronzetto Workshop

At Bronzetto, chiseling is a distinctive signature, enriching each piece with unique details and vibrant textures. Our artisans shape brass with precise and patient strokes, creating reliefs and finishes that enhance the light and three-dimensionality of each object.

  • Roberto chisels modern pieces, including La Perpetua, this month’s featured product.
  • Samouil applies this technique to jewelry making, leveraging his expertise as a goldsmith.
  • Mirko is the skilled hand behind all the chiseled decorations on our furniture elements, handles, lighting fixtures, and decorative details.

Masterpieces of Chiseling in History

This technique has stood the test of time, leaving its mark on some of the world’s most iconic works:

  • In Florence: the Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti, created for the Baptistery of San Giovanni. Biblical scenes chiseled in gilded bronze with such precision that they appear like living paintings.
  • Worldwide: the Throne of Dagobert, attributed to Saint Éloi. A masterpiece of early medieval art from the 7th century, featuring finely chiseled geometric patterns and symbolic figures that enhance its elegance and royal significance.

Discover more about our craftsmanship

Chiseling is just one of the many techniques that make Il Bronzetto’s creations unique. Every stroke tells a story, every detail brings metal to life through a play of light and shadow.

Want to discover more? Watch the video where Simone shares the secrets of this extraordinary craft