Decorative element on a sculpture used to add color and detail. The top surface of an inlay is generally flush with the surrounding metal and is generally added for visual contrast through color and/or texture. A wide range of attachment methods may be used including solder, adhesives, cements, burrs, undercuts, and/or rivets. However, the basic technique involves shaping of the inlay and incision of the ground metal to produce a cavity with the inlay shape. Inlay materials may include metals, glass, stone, bone, among others.
Note: The terms “inlay” and “overlay” are often used indiscriminately, although they differ in one main regard: inlays are inserted into the bronze surface whereas overlays are set on top of the surface.
