Sinking in Germany
Sinking in Germany refers to the silversmithing technique of forming a hollow metal object by hammering a sheet into a concave support, such as a depression, mold, or sandbag. Unlike raising, which compresses and thickens the material, sinking stretches the metal to create volume. The technique has been widely used in the German lands as a fundamental method for shaping vessels and other hollow forms.[1]
Historical Development
Sinking has been practiced in European metalworking since antiquity and became an established technique within German silversmithing traditions during the medieval period. As urban workshops developed under guild systems (Zünfte), silversmiths employed sinking alongside raising to produce a variety of objects, including bowls, plates, and liturgical vessels.[2]
During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, sinking was frequently used in combination with other techniques to achieve complex forms and decorative effects. The ability to rapidly create volume made it particularly useful in the initial stages of object formation, after which further refinement could be achieved through raising or planishing.[3]
Although industrial methods reduced the reliance on manual forming techniques in the 19th century, sinking remained an important process in artisanal production and continues to be practiced in contemporary silversmithing.
Technique
Sinking involves placing a flat sheet of metal over a concave support and striking it with a hammer to force the material into the depression. This process stretches the metal, allowing it to assume a curved or hollow form.
The technique is typically carried out in stages, with periodic annealing to restore ductility and prevent cracking. As the metal is worked, it becomes thinner and expands in surface area, requiring careful control to maintain uniform thickness and structural integrity.[4]
Sinking is often used in the early phases of forming, as it allows for rapid shaping. The resulting form may then be refined through raising, planishing, or other techniques to achieve the desired final geometry.
Materials and Tools
Sinking in Germany traditionally utilizes silver and silver alloys, though the technique is also applicable to other malleable metals such as copper and brass.
Tools used in sinking include hammers, mallets, and various forms of concave supports, such as metal stakes, wooden blocks, or sandbags. The choice of support influences the degree of control and the type of deformation achieved during the process.
Cultural and Contemporary Context
Historically, sinking enabled silversmiths in Germany to efficiently produce hollow forms for both functional and decorative purposes. It was commonly employed in the creation of domestic tableware, ceremonial objects, and components for more complex assemblies.
In contemporary practice, sinking remains a fundamental technique taught in silversmithing and metalworking education. It is valued for its efficiency in shaping metal and for its role in combination with other forming methods.
As part of the broader silversmithing tradition, sinking contributes to the continued relevance of hand-forming techniques in modern craft and artistic production.[5]
References
- ↑ Untracht, Oppi. Metal Techniques for Craftsmen. New York: Doubleday, 1968.
- ↑ Epstein, S. R. Guilds, Innovation, and the European Economy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008.
- ↑ Hayward, Helena. Virtuoso Goldsmiths and the Triumph of Mannerism. London: Sotheby’s Publications, 1976.
- ↑ Maryon, Herbert. Metalwork and Enamelling. London: Chapman & Hall, 1971.
- ↑ Deutsches Handwerksinstitut. Handwerk in Deutschland: Tradition und Zukunft. Berlin, 2015.
