Engraving removes or displaces small amounts of metal to create lines. On Islamic metalwork, engraving can draw inscriptions, animals, hunting scenes, blessing formulas, epigraphy, zodiac signs, medallions, vegetal scrolls, instrument scales, and construction marks. It can be final decoration or preparation for inlay.

Calligraphy on metal is engineered. Letter height, band width, curve, rim angle, and viewing distance all matter. On a candlestick, letters may stretch vertically to dominate the drum; on a basin, inscriptions may wrap the rim; on an astrolabe, precise scales and Arabic inscriptions must remain functional as well as beautiful.

Use a layered interactive: first show the object form, then the layout grid, then the engraved line, then the inlay or black compound. This reveals that a decorative surface is planned architecturally, not added randomly.