Statues Crafting of Nepal using Lost Wax Method
Introduction
We make statues using Lost Wax Method. This is called lost wax method as original statue is prepared in wax and by the end of process, the statue of wax converts into metal. The model is drained out from mold using appropriate amount of heat and wax will be lost in this sense. Process of metal statue making using lost wax method is one o
f the oldest & finest methods of statue crafting in Nepal. This method of statue making is many generation long and is passed on to current artists in Nepal by their ancestors of Shakya clan. Description of Process
It takes several steps to prepare a statue and depending on details of work and size of statue. It might take three to four weeks to several years to prepare a statue depending on size and fineness in creation. The stages in this process, which are numerous, commence with the construction of a model of the desired object in wax. In the first stage, each piece of statue is hand finished in wax. Basic shaping and contouring of wax is achieved by bending the cut portions of wax sheet over the heat. Traditional tools which are made from horns of animals and made from iron, stone are used in carving the statue. Appropriate heating of wax is important to be able to design the statue. Once a model of statue is ready in wax and the artist is satisfied with design, it is coated with the several layers of thin protective clay (mixture of fine clay and cow dung). In next step, it will be dried carefully using appropriate air. In next process, the wax model is coated with the mixture (clay and rice husk) and placed to dry carefully in the sun until the clay is hardened. A second and third coat is then applied and likewise carefully dried in the sun and made sure that the mould is completely dried. Similarly, the mould is gradually warmed until the wax has melted. The melted wax is extracted through a hole so a hollow space is formed inside. On the day of casting, hollow space mould is baked in the oven. The moulds are placed upright so that, the aperture for the metal is exposed to the top. In same time, melting of metal also take place in furnace. Then, melted metal poured into the moulds. The moulds occupied by the metal are allowed to remain in position until it has returned to solid form. Once the metal has set, it is placed in the cold water for cooling. The clay is then removed and thus, the object, now in metal form, emerges, unique and exclusive items. Then, the object goes forward for polishing and finishing. As it is cleaned, polished and rubbed, it begins to show the fine luster and brilliance of the metal. Then, the craftsmen with chisels and miniature hammers accentuate the details of hair, mouth, lips, expression and decoration that are required. The next step is gold plating or oxidization. As a final step, face is painted using gold power and semi-precious and precious stones are fitted. Suitable and appropriate colored lacquers and paints are also used to highlight particular feature. Contact Detail:
Phone: 977-01-5531876 (landline), 9841396113 (m)
R&U Handicraft
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