Word

Bush hammering

Variant

Bossehammerung · Bocciardatura

Region
London · Dresden · Genova
Type

Workmanship

Definition

Stone working technique to regularize façade stones prior to mounting. A texturing process using a specialized tool.

Description
Bush hammering was a specialized stone finishing technique used to create a uniform, textured surface on stone blocks. The process involved using a bush hammer—a tool with multiple protruding points—to pound the stone surface. In London, historical records from 1698 indicate that bush hammering was required to regularize the façade stones prior to mounting, showing its importance in achieving consistent aesthetic results.
Bush hammering technique applied to façade stones.
Variations

En

Bush hammeringEngland, London

"Bush hammering was required to regularize the façade stones prior to mounting."

Guildhall Building Records

vol. 14, fol. 289, line 32

Date: 1698

Source: Guildhall building records, on the dressing of façade stones before setting

Co-occurrence

Stone
78%
Chisel
41%
Façade
34%
Dressing
22%
Masonry
17%

De

BossehammerungGermany, Dresden

"Die Bossehammerung wurde angewandt, um die sandsteinblöcke für das portal vorzubereiten."

Sächsisches Staatsarchiv, Bauamt 221

linie 77

Date: 1609-1617

Source: Building office file on the preparation of sandstone blocks for the portal

Co-occurrence

Sandstein (Sandstone)
83%
Werkzeug (Tools)
46%
Portal
33%
Oberfläche (Surface)
18%

It

BocciardaturaItaly, Genova

"La bocciardatura fu richiesta per uniformare il paramento in pietra della loggia."

Archivio di Stato, Magistrato dei Padri del Comune

filza 119, foglio 412, riga 12

Date: 1654-1663

Source: Deliberations of the Padri del Comune on the stone facing of the loggia

Co-occurrence

Pietra (Stone)
79%
Paramento (Vestment)
52%
Scalpellino (Stonemason)
31%
Finitura (Finishing)
21%
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