Definition

1. Verb:
   • To carve in openwork; to perforate with decorative carving: "chạm lộng" refers to a specific woodworking or metalworking technique where the artisan carves through the material to create a decorative, lace-like pattern with open spaces. The design is not merely engraved on the surface but is cut out, allowing light to pass through.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Người thợ đang chạm lộng một tấm gỗ để làm cửa sổ. (The artisan is carving a wooden plank in openwork to make a window.)
  • Kỹ thuật chạm lộng này tạo ra những họa tiết tinh xảo và thanh thoát. (This openwork carving technique creates exquisite and elegant patterns.)
  • Chiếc hộp bạc được chạm lộng những hình hoa lá. (The silver box is perforated with carved floral patterns.)

Advanced Usage

• As a noun (implied from the verb form): The term can refer to the technique or the resulting product itself.
  • Nghệ thuật chạm lộng gỗ ở đây rất nổi tiếng. (The art of openwork wood carving here is very famous.)
  • Những tác phẩm chạm lộng này thật đẹp. (These openwork carvings are truly beautiful.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chạm (v): to carve, to engrave (a more general term for carving, not necessarily openwork).
• Chạm nổi (v): to carve in relief (the design is raised from the background, opposite of "chạm lộng").
• Chạm khắc (v): to carve and engrave (a general term for carving).
• Lộng (adj/v): can mean "perforated" or "to make hollow/open"; it emphasizes the open, airy quality.

Synonyms

• Đục thủng (v): to chisel/pierce through (less artistic, more functional).
• Chạm xuyên (v): to carve through (descriptive of the action).

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Chạm lộng hoa văn: to carve openwork patterns.
  • Bức bình phong được chạm lộng hoa văn rồng phượng. (The folding screen is carved with openwork dragon and phoenix motifs.)