Translation guide
The craft or technique of setting pieces of material into a surface to form decorative patterns. This guide covers how to talk about inlaying in Japanese, focusing on common crafts like wood inlay and metal inlay.
Referring to the general technique or craft of inlaying, often in woodworking or metalwork.
The standard term for inlaying as a decorative technique, used across various materials like wood, metal, and ceramics.
This box is decorated with inlaying.
An alternative kanji for 象嵌, often used interchangeably, though 象嵌 is more common.
The technique of inlay work has been passed down since ancient times.
Specifically refers to inlay work or inlay craftsmanship, emphasizing the handiwork aspect.
He is an inlay craftsman.
Specifically referring to inlaying in wood, such as marquetry or parquetry.
Specifically referring to inlaying in metal, such as damascening.
Gold inlay; a technique where gold is inlaid into a metal surface.
The sword guard is decorated with gold inlay.
Silver inlay; similar to gold inlay but using silver.
This vase uses silver inlay.
A specific Japanese metal inlay technique where a cross-hatched pattern is carved into the metal before inlaying, often seen on sword fittings.
Expressing the action of inlaying something into a surface.
The verb form meaning 'to inlay'. Use with the object being inlaid.
The craftsman inlays gold into iron.
Pattern for specifying the surface and the inlaid material: 'inlay [material] into [surface]'.
Inlay shell into a wooden box.
A more formal phrase meaning 'to apply inlay' or 'to decorate with inlay'.
象嵌 is the standard kanji, but 象眼 is also seen. Both are read ぞうがん and mean the same thing. 象嵌 is preferred in modern usage.
象嵌 (zōgan) is a broad term for inlaying any material into a surface. 寄木細工 (yosegi-zaiku) is a specific Japanese craft of assembling different woods into geometric patterns, which is a type of inlay but often considered a distinct traditional art form.
Hakone's wood mosaic work is famous.
Nunome-zōgan requires advanced skill.
This folding screen is decorated with elaborate inlay.