Creating intricate undercuts in stone carvings is a hallmark of skilled craftsmanship, requiring precision and specialized techniques. The most common methods include:

1. Relief Carving: By gradually deepening the background, sculptors create undercuts that make designs pop. This technique is ideal for detailed patterns and figures.

2. Drilling and Chiseling: Small drill holes are made to define undercut edges, followed by fine chiseling to refine the depth and angles. This ensures clean, sharp transitions.

3. Punch Work: Using pointed punches, artists create textured undercuts by carefully hammering along the stone’s contours, often seen in decorative motifs.

4. Abrasive Tools: Rotary tools with diamond bits or sandblasting can smooth and deepen undercuts, especially in harder stones like granite.

5. Hand Gouging: For softer stones like limestone, gouges and V-tools carve delicate undercuts by hand, allowing for organic, flowing designs.

Mastering these techniques requires patience and practice, but they unlock endless creative possibilities in stone sculpture.