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Copper was the earliest metal to be discovered by
man. As early as 3500 BC, man was smelting copper and tin together to
make bronze. This was the beginning of the Bronze Age. In India, the
Bronze Age began in around 3300 BC in the Indus Valley Civilization. The
in India tells us that people were using the alloy
to make bronze sculptures, vessels, weapons, tools and other items.
What is Bronze?
Bronze is basically an alloy of copper and tin and zinc. Sometimes,
other metals are also added. Bronze is hard and durable. It is brownish
in color. It is used either in its sheet form or cast into a particular
shape.
Bronze is the preferred choice for sculptin>g because it is strong and
holds its shape. It is also comparatively lighter than marble and is
hence easy to transport.
Method of Casting Bronze Statues
(Link)
Initially, bronze was used to make solid sculptures. It was only
later that hollow casting was discovered, and bronze sculptures ever
since have been created using this method. It is also called the lost
wax method.
- The first step is the creation of the model. This is made of wax
and is an exact copy of what the final bronze sculpture will look
like. It is complete with all the carvings and detail.
- In the next three stages, a mold is created. A thin layer of china
clay mixed with water is applied over the wax model, using a
paintbrush. It is allowed to dry for two days and is repeated twice.
- Then, a pasty mixture is applied over the model by hand. It is
applied to a thickness of about 2 centimeters. A few holes are made at
the bottom of the mold once the paste is dry. Through these, the
bronze will later be poured. For the time being, thin wax rods are
inserted into them.
- Thereafter, a mixture of clay, rice husk, and sand is applied.
This is allowed to dry.
- The mold with the plugged openings facing downwards is placed in
an oven. The raw bronze is also placed in the oven so as to melt it.
Bronze melts at approximately 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.
- During the process of firing, the wax melts and is lost through
the holes in the mold. The clay mold hardens, and the bronze melts.
- The bronze is then poured into the holes. It is allowed to cool
for two days.
- Then, the mold is chipped away, leaving behind the bronze
sculpture.
- In the final stage, the bronze is smoothened and polished, and
detailed. It is also varnished.
Bronze statues are very popular decorative pieces in India, and
indeed, all over the world. Bronze is also used to make busts, monuments
and idols. In India, bronze sculptures of
are the most favored. Bronze is also used
to craft mythological figures. In addition to these
,
are also popular. As are statues associated with
other religions. Bronze craftsmen also cast bronze animal figures, and
figures of birds. Bronze figures of humans are also admired.
Bronze has a dull antique look that is very attractive. This along with
its other qualities makes it a preferred choice for decoration.
Source:
http://www.india-crafts.com |
