What type of metalwork is characterized by delicate ornamental patterns resembling lace?

Filigree is a form of metalwork that is distinguished by its intricate, lace-like designs created from fine metal wires, typically made of gold or silver. Artisans manipulate these thin wires into various shapes and patterns, often combining them with beads or gemstones to enhance their beauty. This technique has been used across different cultures and time periods, enabling artists to create delicate and highly detailed designs that evoke the appearance of lace.

Other techniques like etching, forging, and smithing focus on different methods of manipulating metal. Etching involves using acid to create designs on a metal surface, forging pertains to shaping metal through hammering or heat, and smithing generally refers to the traditional craft of shaping metal by heating and hammering. While these methods have their own unique artistic qualities, they do not achieve the same delicate and ornate visuals that characterize filigree.