The Art of Chasing Metal Sheet
“Tong Lai” or chasing metal sheet is
one of Lanna crafts that requires elaboration in each working step to create a
fabulous item in Lanna style. Previously, they chased mainly on silver plate.
Anyhow, when silver becomes more costly, craftsman starts chasing on the other
metal instead. Nevertheless, it does not make much difference on the finished
work and can create new style with more varieties.
In Lanna language, “Tong Lai” means
chasing or engraving the pattern on the metal. It is called “Bu Dun” (metal
beating) in standard Thai language. This technique is applied to create
dimensions on the pattern. The unique identity of Lanna silverware is the two - sided carving method. It is chased or embossed com inside to
create a structural relief on the outside surface before hammering or engraving
the surface to make more subtle details.
Pattern style can be flat style or
“Lai Bao”, bas - relief style or “Noon Tam” and high - relief style or “Noon Sung”. Flat style is applied on the work
to create flat pattern without dimension. On the contrary, bas - relief
style is the pattern created by chasing from inside to make an embossed pattern
appear on the exterior while high - relief style is very
complicated. Craftsman has to stay focused, calm and very patient.
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