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Gegenform

Gegenform is a German term meaning counterform or opposite form. It is used in various technical and artistic contexts to denote a complementary form or the negative mold that enables the creation or delineation of a corresponding object. The word derives from Gegen- meaning against or opposite and Form meaning shape or form.

In moldmaking and sculpture, a Gegenform is typically the counter-mold that closes around a model during casting

Beyond casting, Gegenform is used in design and analysis to refer to an alternative or reciprocal version

See also: mold, counter-mold, negative mold, form in sculpture.

or
shaping.
In
two-part
molds,
the
Gegenform
is
the
opposite
half
that,
together
with
the
positive
form,
forms
a
complete
cavity
for
material
to
fill.
After
curing,
the
finished
piece
is
removed
from
the
mold
and
the
Gegenform
is
separated.
The
concept
helps
define
the
outer
contour
and
enables
replication,
symmetry,
or
the
creation
of
multiple
parts.
of
a
form.
It
can
be
employed
for
comparison,
to
study
balance,
contrast,
or
to
explore
variations
in
shape.
In
German
technical
literature,
the
term
appears
in
fields
such
as
sculpture,
ceramics,
and
industrial
design
as
a
practical
descriptor
for
tooling,
reproduction
steps,
and
the
relationship
between
an
object
and
its
complementary
form.