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ARTS, STATUES, SCULPTURES, PAINTINGS |
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 history of
bronze 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 sculpting 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
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.
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 Hindu
gods and goddesses are the most favored. Bronze is
also used to craft mythological figures.
In addition to these Hindu statues , Buddha
sculptures 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.
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