For centuries, Indian craftsmen have used the lost-wax method to create bronze sculptures with remarkable detail. The process begins with a sculpture carefully shaped in wax. A clay mould is then built around it, and when the mould is heated, the wax melts away, leaving behind a space for molten bronze to take its place. Once the metal cools, the mould is broken open, and the sculpture is carefully finished by hand.
At IndianArtButton, this traditional process is one of the reasons our bronze pieces have such a distinct character. The mould is broken after casting, and each piece is finished by hand, so the original mould cannot simply be reused to make another identical sculpture. Small differences in the casting and finishing make each piece unique; a replica cannot be made.
The Lost-Wax Method: How Bronze Sculptures Are Made
