Elaborate metalwork to stop a bit of play (9)
I believe the answer is:
damascene
'elaborate metalwork' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?
'stop a bit of play' is the wordplay.
'stop' becomes 'dam' (I've seen this in other clues).
'bit of play' becomes 'scene' ('scene' is part of 'play').
'dam'+'a'+'scene'='DAMASCENE'
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for damascene that I've seen before include "Rich ornamentation on metal" , "Syrian" , "Middle Easterner" , "inlaid work" , "of very ancient city" .)