Which phrase best describes filigree work?

Filigree work is best characterized as intricate metalwork, which involves the art of delicately shaping fine wires of metal—often gold or silver—into ornate and complex designs. This technique is highly valued for its precision and the craftsmanship required to create detailed patterns, such as scrolls, flowers, or lace-like motifs.

The nature of filigree work requires a skilled hand to manipulate the metal into thin strands that can be intertwined or layered, making it a sophisticated form of artistic expression found in jewelry and decorative objects. Understanding this helps recognize why it stands apart from the other options. Simple pottery decoration does not reflect the meticulous nature of filigree, while wood carving and painting techniques do not pertain to the metalwork that defines filigree.