Beaten work refers to metalwork that is meticulously crafted by hand, often involving the use of hammers and other tools. Similar terms include repousse, a French term that specifically refers to metalwork that is hammered into relief from the reverse side, and chasing, which describes the process of creating indentations or lines on a metal surface with a chisel. Embossed metalwork is another synonymous term for beaten work, which can include decorative designs such as flowers, vines, and animals. The use of beaten work can be traced back to ancient civilizations throughout history, and continues to be used today in the creation of unique and intricate metal pieces.