Relief carving and full-round carving are two distinct sculptural techniques, each offering unique artistic expressions. Relief carving involves carving figures or designs into a flat surface, creating a raised image with varying depths—ranging from low relief (shallow) to high relief (deeply projected). This technique is often used in decorative panels, coins, and architectural embellishments, where the artwork remains attached to the background.

In contrast, full-round carving produces freestanding, three-dimensional sculptures that can be viewed from all angles. Unlike relief carving, which relies on a single perspective, full-round carvings require the artist to consider every viewpoint, ensuring balance and detail from all sides. This technique is common in statues, busts, and monumental sculptures.

Key differences include:

1. Depth and Dimension: Relief carvings are semi-3D, while full-round carvings are fully 3D.

2. Viewing Perspective: Relief works are best viewed frontally, whereas full-round sculptures invite 360-degree observation.

3. Artistic Application: Relief carving suits flat surfaces like walls, while full-round carving excels in standalone pieces.

4. Technical Complexity: Full-round carving demands greater skill in proportion and spatial planning.

Both techniques have rich histories and continue to inspire modern artists, offering diverse ways to bring stone, wood, or other materials to life.