Opus Interrasile

Opus interrasile comes from the Latin opus (=work) and interrasile (= openings). It is a metalworking technique that involves creating a style of openwork decoration by piercing a sheet of metal with a chisel or other sharp tool. The style came into fashion during the Etruscan period and was further developed by Roman goldsmiths. The style continued to flourish in Byzantine jewelry.

Usually applied as a background for an item, opus interrasile can be so finely pierced that the remaining gold strikes us as a web of ultra thin gold wires.

Sources

• An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry. Newman, Harold. Thames & Hudson Ltd. London, 1981 ISBN 0500274525
• 7000 Years of Jewellery, Various Authors, edited by Hugh Tait, British Museum Press, London, 1986. ISBN 9780714150321
• Jewelry, Concepts and Technology. Untracht, Oppi. Doubleday, New York, USA. 1982. ISBN 0385041853