Sukashibori

Sukashibori (透彫(すかしぼり)) is the Japanese term for openwork or pierced work, using various techniques in metalworking and other media, in which the foreground design is left intact, while background areas are cut away and removed (or the converse may be performed).

In traditional metalworking (chōkin, 彫金), the carving tools they used were the piercing burin (sukashi-tagane, 透かし鏨)[1] and scroll saw (tsurubiki-noko(?

[1] In Buddhist art, foliage scrollwork [ja] (唐草模様, karakusa-moyō) or lotus motif is often used[3] The result is an Arabesque-like or lacework-like design.

They are featured in the depiction of the kōhai or "rear glow" (the halo or nimbus behind Buddhist statues)[3] as well as the tiara-like headpieces [3] crowning their heads.

Other prominent uses are in ritual objects such as keman (pendent ornaments),[3] keko [ja] (華籠, "flower basket"),[3] and kōro (香炉, incense burners).