{"id":1889,"date":"2021-10-12T23:33:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-12T20:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/?p=1889"},"modified":"2021-10-11T01:00:00","modified_gmt":"2021-10-10T22:00:00","slug":"what-is-incised-carving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/what-is-incised-carving\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Incised Carving?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/woodiswood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Depositphotos_6408886_S-1.jpg?resize=576%2C383&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1938\" width=\"576\" height=\"383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/woodiswood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Depositphotos_6408886_S-1.jpg?w=350&amp;ssl=1 350w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/woodiswood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Depositphotos_6408886_S-1.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While you may not have heard of this carving style before, <strong>incised carving<\/strong> is a great option for people who enjoy relief carving. For these carvers, finding a <strong>new carving style<\/strong> to work with can be challenging. Relief carving is one of the most <strong>complex<\/strong> <strong>styles<\/strong> of carving out there, so what next step can these woodcarvers take?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Incised carving is also known as incised intaglio, hollow relief, or sunken relief. In traditional relief carving, you carve the images and designs such that they seem to rise from the wood, protruding out similar to 3D shapes. Incised carving is essentially the opposite. Instead of rising out of the background, figures are sunken into the surface of the wood background. Thus, it is known as hollow relief.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve always been interested in this carving style and are wondering how to start with an incised intaglio project, read on for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding Incised Carving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Incised carving was <strong>first popularised by<\/strong> the <strong>ancient Egyptians<\/strong>, where it was used in everything from walls to hieroglyphs and cartouches. Over time, this carving style moved from being the domain of Egyptian artists to being of interest to people and artisans around the world, including woodcarvers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With incised carving, the <strong>background<\/strong> of the design <strong>remains at the original level<\/strong> of the wood, and the <strong>figures are carved<\/strong> <strong>to<\/strong> <strong>create a<\/strong> hollow, <strong>sunken effect<\/strong>. This creates a <strong>2D effect<\/strong> \u2013 the first of the dimensions is the background layer, while the second is the hollowed-out design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An <strong>essential part<\/strong> of creating intricate incised carvings <strong>is<\/strong> being able to maintain a <strong>consistent depth<\/strong>. <strong>This<\/strong> is the part that <strong>makes it challenging<\/strong> for woodcarvers, as it is very <strong>easy to carve<\/strong> at <strong>unequal depths<\/strong>, and <strong>trying to fix<\/strong> errors <strong>can result in<\/strong> them <strong>worsening<\/strong>, particularly if your design uses delicate lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Incised Carving v\/s Relief Carving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned above, incised carving is essentially the polar <strong>opposite of relief<\/strong> <strong>carving<\/strong>. In fact, the two carving styles are so closely linked that incised carving is sometimes called <strong>hollow or sunken relief carving<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there are some other differences as well. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Relief carving creates <strong>3D images<\/strong>, while incised carving creates <strong>2D images<\/strong>.<\/li><li>In relief carving, the <strong>negative area<\/strong> serves as the <strong>background<\/strong> and is the material left over after the image has been created. In incised carving, the <strong>negative space<\/strong> serves as the <strong>main design<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Incised carving involves carving <strong>below<\/strong> <strong>the surface of the wood<\/strong>, while relief carving involves <strong>raising<\/strong> figures <strong>above the wood\u2019s surface<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However, despite their differences, they are <strong>both<\/strong> carving methods that boast <strong>centuries of history<\/strong>. As mentioned, incised carving was first popularised by the ancient Egyptians, while relief carvings have been found that date back to both ancient Egypt and ancient Assyria.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Both<\/strong> forms of carving are <strong>complex propositions<\/strong> that are <strong>perfect<\/strong> for carvers looking <strong>for a challenge<\/strong>. While each style involves <strong>different tools and techniques<\/strong>, they are identical in the fact that they result in <strong>stunning, eye-catching carvings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Creating Your Own Incised Carving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve never created an incised carving before, the first project you work on may seem intimidating. However, once you\u2019ve got the basics down, you\u2019ll soon realize that the <strong>techniques<\/strong> of this form of carving <strong>are relatively simple<\/strong>. The <strong>challenge<\/strong> comes with the <strong>size of the designs and lines<\/strong> you\u2019ll be working with, not the actual process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you start carving, make sure you have all the <strong>relevant tools<\/strong> close by. Some essential tools that are a must when it comes to incised carvings include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A <strong>depth gauge<\/strong>. The most effective incised carvings are done such that <strong>all<\/strong> the <strong>lines are of the same depth<\/strong> unless the design specifically calls for a variation in depths. A depth gauge will ensure your <strong>carving depth stays<\/strong> <strong>uniform<\/strong> and is <strong>especially important<\/strong> if you are a <strong>newcomer<\/strong> at incised carving.<\/li><li>A <strong>V-gouge<\/strong>. While there are many ways to remove material from wood, a V-gauge offers <strong>unparalleled control<\/strong>, which is <strong>essential<\/strong> if you are trying to make the <strong>delicate cuts<\/strong> that are such a necessary part of an effective incised carving.<\/li><li>A <strong>mallet<\/strong>. While the mallet does not directly affect the way someone carves, it does provide <strong>additional leverage, stability, and control<\/strong> when using a V-gouge. This can come in handy when you are working on <strong>smaller and harder<\/strong> <strong>to carve areas<\/strong> of your design.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to create an incised carving, you will have to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>First, <strong>transfer<\/strong> the <strong>design<\/strong> <strong>to<\/strong> your <strong>wood blank<\/strong> using carbon paper, or draw the design directly on the blank.<\/li><li>Once your design is ready, and your workplace is secure, you can start carving.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>If the lines of your design are <strong>narrower than<\/strong> the width of your <strong>gouge<\/strong>, <strong>cut<\/strong> the <strong>edge of both lines<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li><li>When carving <strong>two parallel lines<\/strong>, ensure there is a <strong>clear<\/strong>, distinctive <strong>ridge<\/strong> between the lines.&nbsp;<\/li><li>When carving an <strong>ellipse<\/strong>, <strong>start with<\/strong> a <strong>precise cut<\/strong>, and carve carefully to ensure the lines are neat and clean. You will need to <strong>carve<\/strong> the length of the shape <strong>in one path<\/strong> to ensure the best results.<\/li><li>If the <strong>ellipse shape<\/strong> is <strong>wider than<\/strong> your <strong>gouge<\/strong>, you will require <strong>multiple passes<\/strong> to carve completely. <strong>Start<\/strong> carving <strong>at<\/strong> the <strong>center<\/strong>, and <strong>join<\/strong> the <strong>cuts<\/strong> as <strong>smoothly<\/strong> as possible so that the carving looks seamless.<\/li><li>Some shapes may require you to use a <strong>knife<\/strong> to help with the carving, especially ones that combine <strong>two types of lines<\/strong>, like a <strong>cup<\/strong> (which incorporates a curved ellipse with a straight edge at the top).<\/li><li><strong>Circles and globes<\/strong> require a different carving technique. First, <strong>carve<\/strong> the <strong>outline<\/strong> of the circle. Then, make a series of <strong>passes from<\/strong> the <strong>edge<\/strong> <strong>of<\/strong> the <strong>outline<\/strong> <strong>to<\/strong> the <strong>center<\/strong>. After a few passes, you should be able to essentially <strong>\u201cdig out\u201d<\/strong> <strong>the<\/strong> circle of <strong>wood<\/strong>.<\/li><li>If necessary, go <strong>back<\/strong> <strong>over<\/strong> your <strong>grooves<\/strong> and <strong>make them deeper<\/strong> <strong>until<\/strong> you are <strong>satisfied<\/strong> with the depth. <strong>Use<\/strong> the <strong>depth gouge<\/strong> <strong>to ensure<\/strong> your carving is <strong>uniformly<\/strong> <strong>deep<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Use a <strong>mallet<\/strong> <strong>if necessary<\/strong>. A mallet can give you <strong>more control<\/strong> when <strong>carving<\/strong> on <strong>hardwood<\/strong> blanks, as well as when you carve <strong>more complex<\/strong> <strong>sections<\/strong> of the design. This includes ones with <strong>numerous corners<\/strong> and <strong>small lines<\/strong>. If you\u2019ve never attempted incised carving before, a mallet can make the process much easier.<\/li><li><strong>Complete with paint<\/strong> <strong>or<\/strong> a <strong>finish<\/strong> if necessary.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also refer to this video on YouTube when working on your incised carving:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"jetpack-video-wrapper\"><div class=\"container-lazyload preview-lazyload container-youtube js-lazyload--not-loaded\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=V-aZHngL8dM&#038;ab_channel=Niallz\" class=\"lazy-load-youtube preview-lazyload preview-youtube\" data-video-title=\"Incised carving\" title=\"Play video &quot;Incised carving&quot;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=V-aZHngL8dM&#038;ab_channel=Niallz<\/a><noscript>Video can&#8217;t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=V-aZHngL8dM&#038;ab_channel=Niallz\" title=\"Incised carving\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Incised carving (https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=V-aZHngL8dM&#038;ab_channel=Niallz)<\/a><\/noscript><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It provides a <strong>step-by-step guide<\/strong> to <strong>basic incised carving<\/strong>, and the help of a visual reference can make the carving process easier for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Incised Carving FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can an incised carving have different line sizes?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yes<\/strong>, an incised carving can have <strong>different lines sizes and depths<\/strong>. However, it\u2019s always essential to be cognizant of how the combination of widths of depths will affect the look of your final carving. If you\u2019ve <strong>never done incised carving<\/strong> before, it\u2019s best to <strong>keep<\/strong> your <strong>carvings<\/strong> as <strong>uniform<\/strong> as possible. <strong>More experienced<\/strong> carvers can move on to combinations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This image of an incised carving project will give you an idea of how a carving with different line sizes and depths can look:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/in.pinterest.com\/pin\/37365871882863092\/\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-pinterest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/in.pinterest.com\/pin\/37365871882863092\/<\/a>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is chip carving different from incised carving?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Chip carving<\/strong> refers to the <strong>method of removing<\/strong> <strong>wood<\/strong> when creating a carving. In chip carving, wood is carved <strong>in<\/strong> <strong>small chips<\/strong> \u2013 hence, the name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Incised carving<\/strong>, on the other hand, refers to the <strong>look<\/strong> <strong>of<\/strong> the <strong>project<\/strong>. As mentioned, incised carving is essentially a carving where the <strong>design is sunken<\/strong> into the wood\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most incised carving projects <strong>use<\/strong> the <strong>relief carving method<\/strong>, which is a <strong>more<\/strong> <strong>delicate<\/strong> option. <strong>However<\/strong>, it is definitely <strong>possible<\/strong> <strong>to<\/strong> create an incised carving <strong>using<\/strong> the <strong>chip carving<\/strong> method.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thus, while not all incised carvings are chip carvings, there may be some that are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is incised carving limited to woodcarving?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. Incised carving is any caring in which the design is sunken into the background material, and said <strong>background<\/strong> <strong>material<\/strong> does <strong>not<\/strong> <strong>necessarily<\/strong> have to be <strong>wood<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can create incised carvings in <strong>stone, metal, marble<\/strong>, and other hard materials. Additionally, incised carvings have also historically been used when working on <strong>clay<\/strong> and <strong>wax<\/strong> seals, as well as in <strong>plastic<\/strong> and <strong>precious stones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Incised carving is an <strong>interesting carving method<\/strong> that can <strong>challenge<\/strong> woodcarvers looking for more complex projects. This type of carving is essentially the <strong>opposite of relief carving<\/strong> and involves <strong>designs<\/strong> that are <strong>sunken into<\/strong> the <strong>wood<\/strong> <strong>background<\/strong> rather than rising from the wood as with relief.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While you may not have heard of this carving style before, incised carving is a great option for people who enjoy relief carving. For these carvers, finding a new carving<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1938,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/woodiswood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Depositphotos_6408886_S-1.jpg?fit=350%2C233&ssl=1","acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1889"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1889"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1889\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1939,"href":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1889\/revisions\/1939"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1938"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1889"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1889"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/woodiswood.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1889"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}