抜穴 Nukeana / Escape Hole

What is Nukeana in Japanese Katana terminology?

This refers to the openwork applied to the Menuki (a type of ornament on the handle of a Japanese sword). When emphasizing the image of the Menuki, a method of hollowing out the surroundings was adopted. This technique, which involves carving around the image extremely deeply, was used in the old Mino carving and is often seen in the works of the Goto family.