What are the Types of Relief？How to Distinguish Different Relief Art?

Relief art is a form of sculpture in which sculptors create undulating patterns on a flat surface to create a three-dimensional visual effect in a two-dimensional space. Relief sculpture has a three-dimensional sense of sculpture and can be integrated into architecture and wall decoration, so it is widely used in building facades, monuments, furniture decoration, and art collections. So, what are the types of relief art? How can we distinguish between different forms of relief sculptures? There are five types of reliefs: bas-relief, high-relief, sunken relief, medium relief, and pierced relief.

Bas-relief is the most common type of relief art. Its characteristic is that the pattern or image protrudes slightly from the background, with very little undulation, usually not exceeding one-third of the thickness of the object itself. Bas relief emphasizes the expression of lines and contours, and is suitable for large-scale decorative applications such as building exterior walls, door lintels, commemorative plaques, etc.

Distinguish: Bas-relief looks like a painting carved on a flat surface, and when viewed from the side, the projection of the pattern is very shallow, almost fitting the surface of the background.

Bas Relief of the Tiger Head

High-relief is a form of relief art that has a strong visual impact. The carved images in the work protrude significantly from the background, with some even almost completely detached from the background board. High relief is often used to depict complex character scenes and narrative themes, commonly found in historical monuments, religious buildings, and large wall decorations.

Distinguish: When viewed from the side, the carved elements are prominent, the projection is deep and long, and the local shape may be close to a circular sculpture (fully three-dimensional sculpture).

White Marble High-Relief of Figures

Sunken relief refers to carving patterns inward on a flat surface, so that the shape is lower than the original surface. Concave relief originated from ancient Egyptian art and is often used outdoors or on stone surfaces due to its excellent resistance to weathering.

Distinguish: The overall pattern is recessed below the surface, with the background plane higher than the pattern, and the light and shadow effects are usually softer.

Medium relief is between shallow relief and high relief, with moderate relief. It not only ensures the three-dimensional effect of carving, but also blends well with the background. It is commonly used in indoor relief decoration, such as fireplace relief, furniture relief, artistic wall hanging, etc.

Distinguish: The undulations of the pattern are between shallow relief and high relief, which can clearly show a sense of three dimensionality, but still adhere to the surface of the background as a whole.

contemporary medium relief sculpture

marble sunken relief statue

sunken relief figure head

medium relief art sculpture

Pierced relief is a special type of relief art. It creates a sense of transparency and lightness by hollowing out some of the background, so that the carved pattern not only protrudes from the plane, but also creates a sense of transparency and lightness through the gaps. This type of relief is commonly used in arts and crafts works such as screens, doors and windows, and metal ornaments.

Distinguish: The background space can be directly seen through the carving, and the overall work has a hollow effect, full of artistic and decorative qualities.

marble pierced relief wall decoration

• Pursuing delicate decorative effects, suitable for large-scale applications: bas-relief.

• Strong sense of three dimensionality and visual impact required: high-relief.

• Suitable for historical buildings with strong weather resistance: sunken relief.

• Balanced three-dimensional effect and background fusion, suitable for indoor: medium relief.

• Requires transparency and exquisite craftsmanship: pierced relief.

Aongking has rich experience in relief art design and production, and can tailor relief art works of various styles and materials for you. Whether it’s stone, metal, fiberglass, or modern composite materials, we can add unique artistic charm to your space. If you have more interest or need for relief art, please feel free to consult us at any time, and we will provide you with professional advice and customized services.

Crazy Girls Relief Statue

Marble Angel High-Relief Sculptures

White Marble High-Relief of Figures

Wall Relief Sculpture