The ‘bronze’ touch to a statue spells a mystical aura of
mythology and a religious flavor. The effect dates back to the
Chola dynasties that invented Bronze statues of Gods as a
physical emblem for worship. Ever since then, these statues have
created a sacrosanct space in many a garden and homes in the
form of the Dance god Nataraj, or an omnipresent Ganesha for the
dual purpose of worship and ethnic décor. Bronze statues are
perceived as an emblem of antique art and aristocracy.
One of the most intriguing questions that comes to one’s mind is
‘why bronze?’ Can’t we replace the finish with copper or another
suitable option? The explanation lies in the malleability of
bronze as a metal. It can shape itself into the most intricate
of designs that highlight the USP of a bronze statue. Thus
bronze is the delight of our craftsmen as well as the engraver
who can render the exact features and expressions of the statue.
Our bronze sculptures age beautifully, however a little regular care and attention goes a long way to keep your piece looking its best.
Indoors; for light cleaning use only a new or freshly laundered dry cloth or
brush. Chemicals and residue from used cloths or brushes may transfer to the patina causing
discoloration.
Outdoors; due to the increased level of airborne
contaminants, bronzes outside require more vigorous regular cleaning and
polishing. This is simply done with a soft brush, mild soap and a through rinsing.
To wax or not to wax is a matter of personal preference.
Depending upon the proportions of copper, tin or lead in the alloy, the natural patina of your piece will take on any number of
colorations, all the way from black to red to light green. This is known as Edel Patina and is simply natural oxidation - the outermost layer of bronze reacting to oxygen. A thin wax layer protects your bronze however you may prefer allow your bronze to age naturally. If you prefer to halt or slow the ageing process, we recommend maintaining a coat of wax to shield your piece from the air's oxidizing effects. In a dry climate, waxing once a year is sufficient; twice a year in areas of high humidity. Outdoors apply two coats, ideally in the heat of the day when the wax is able to more readily be absorbed into the pores of the metal. We recommend premium clear paste wax.
Do NOT use cleaning sprays or furniture polishes containing solvents or other chemicals. They may react to your bronze,
discoloring the patina. Older bronzes having their own natural dark patina, or new pieces with a faux antique patina, should NOT be waxed or polished, as this can alter the look and character of the piece.
Edel Patina, a green copper carbonate, protects the bronze naturally, and this layer of oxidation should not be confused with Bronze Disease. Edel Patina normally covers the entire sculpture more or less uniformly and appears as a duller shade of green than Bronze Disease- a condition in which metal produces
acid normally hydrochloric or hydro sulfuric acid) internally and begins to disintegrate, while a small fuzzy green or brown patch
begging to grow. This disease is mostly caused by exposure to extremes of heat, humidity, acids or environmental pollution. For Bronze Disease there is no quick solution and many method only halt the spread without curing it. The various treatments such as; baking in high temperatures, soaking in distilled water with certain chemicals, and application of chemicals are treatments, but all these methods would change the patina and look of the bronze and may also physically damage the sculpture. Therefore
www.xportarts.com strongly recommends leaving the treatment of Bronze Disease to a professional.
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