Damascening

Damascening is the art of inlaying different metals into one another—typically, gold or silver into a darkly oxidized steel background—to produce intricate patterns similar to niello.

Known as zougan (象嵌) in Japanese, it has developed its own subset of terms to describe the particular patterns, although "shippou-zougan" is an enamelling technique which most Westerners would consider closer to champlevé.

The earliest occurrence of damascening in the Aegean, from the Shaft Graves of Mycenae, dates to the latest Middle Bronze Age/Middle Helladic IIIB period (dagger Nu-304).

Cities that are known for a rich history in Damascening where the technique is still practised are Malaysia; Indonesia; Toledo, Spain; Eibar in the Basque Country; and Kyoto, Japan; and Damascus, Syria.

[7] A metalwork prodigy, Zuloaga undertook to restore damaged items in the armoury, and in the process studied and replicated decorative techniques of centuries past.

[5] His works were exhibited at many national and international fairs, winning multiple gold and silver medals[5] and extremely positive reviews from critics.

[11] Toledo has long been the major European centre, although most modern production is machine made, sometimes on tin rather than steel.