Making of South Indian Bronze Sculpture using Lost-wax process
The legacy of Chola bronze casting dates back to many centuries in making bronze sculptures using the lost-wax process. The Sanskrit term for lost wax process is called “Madhuchehishthavidhanam”. The lost wax technique is used to create sculptures in a variety of metals such as bronze, brass and other alloys.
Bronze is an alloy consisting primarily of copper, with additions of other metals like zinc, tin and nickel, making it an excellent choice for casting intricately detailed sculptures. Sculptures made of Bronze lasts hundreds of years due to its high strength, and corrosion resistance properties. The lost-wax process involves several stages to make a sculpture, and takes several weeks to months to get the final finished sculpture. Bronze sculptures are ancient treasures of southern India and each sculpture is one of a kind!
Steps involved in making the sculpture using lost-wax method:
Wax model:
Traditionally, wax used in making the model uses a special kind of wax mix that includes bee’s wax or paraffin wax, along with resin and oil. This wax mix is perfectly suitable for making wax models that are stable in normal temperature and pliable/flexible when heated. A detailed model of sculpture is made using the wax, which is lost in subsequent steps making the model one of a kind. Heat is used on wax to carve, shape, and assemble intricate details on the wax model.
Clay mold:
After the wax model of the sculpture is complete, a clay mold is made by covering all sides of the wax model with a casting clay. A secondary rough coat is also applied with the combination of clay, soil, and sand, reinforced with iron rods/wires to provide a stable structure that can withstand the weight of the sculpture. The clay mold is de-waxed by heating it which melts away the wax, producing a hollowed out clay mold that retains the shape and details of the sculpture. The clay mold is now ready for molten bronze to be poured into it.
Metal pouring:
Copper as the primary metal along with small portions of other metals are molten together in a crucible to make molten Bronze. This molten material is poured into the hollow clay mold. Various internal channels are created for the excess metal to flow out of the mold to avoid air pockets forming within the mold while pouring molten metal. The mold is allowed to rest for several hours until the mold is completely cooled, after which the outside clay mold is broken to remove the solid bronze sculpture in its unfinished form.
Finishing:
The Bronze sculpture from the mold comes out with rough edges, support structures attached to it, that are painstakingly removed through manual steps and the sculpture is enhanced by chiselling, filing to add details to their face, ornaments, clothing etc. Finally, scratches are removed and buffed giving the sculpture a clean and refined look. Different finishes like antique, brown patinas, or vibrant fine-polish are applied as post processing steps.
Though the technique has evolved and tools have changed, the fundamentals of the lost-wax process used in South Indian bronze sculpture-making is absolutely unchanged, and still remains the same as in ancient times. Some important collections of South Indian bronze sculptures are displayed in the Thanjāvūr Museum and Art Gallery, and Museum in Chennai, India, and the largest number of bronze sculptures are found in various temples of southern India.
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Wax model of Nataraja |
| Nataraja Bronze Casting - Unpolished/raw statue |  |
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Nataraja Bronze Casting - Fine polish finish |
Bronze Statue Care
Bronze is an alloy consisting primarily of copper, with small quantities of other metals like zinc, nickel, and iron making it an excellent choice for casting intricately detailed sculptures. Sculptures made of Bronze lasts hundreds of years due to its high strength, and corrosion resistance properties. Bronze statues generally require minimal care and cleaning, and the process of cleaning vary depending on the finish of the statue.
How to Clean and Maintain a Polished Bronze Statue
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Wipe the surface gently with a soft cloth lightly dampened with mild soapy water to remove dust, fingerprints, or light dirt.
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Immediately dry the statue using a clean, dry cloth to prevent moisture from lingering on the surface.
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Once dry, apply a very thin layer of natural oil (such as coconut oil or mineral oil). This helps create a protective barrier against air moisture and slows down tarnishing.
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After oiling, promptly wipe off any excess with a clean soft cloth — too much oil can attract dirt buildup, especially around creases and detailing.
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For best results, follow this routine once a month. Statues in humid or dusty environments may need slightly more frequent care, while those in stable indoor conditions may require less.
With regular maintenance, your polished bronze statue will continue to shine beautifully, retaining its elegance and reflective charm for years to come.
Care for Brown Patinas & Antique Finish Bronze Statues
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Bronze statues with antique or patina finishes are crafted for both visual appeal and long-term durability.
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To clean them, gently wipe the surface with a damp soft cloth to remove dust, dirt, or light stains.
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Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the patina and alter the natural finish.
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Allow the statue to dry completely after cleaning.
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If desired, you may apply a small amount of coconut oil, mineral oil, or another natural oil to deepen the patina and enhance the sheen — however, this step is optional and based purely on personal preference, as patina-finished bronze naturally ages well without oil treatment.
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If oil is applied, be sure to wipe away any excess with a dry, soft cloth to prevent sticky residue or uneven shine.
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Patina-finished statues are generally low-maintenance, requiring only light dusting and occasional gentle cleaning.
With occasional gentle care, your bronze statue will continue to age gracefully, preserving its rich patina and timeless presence for years to come.
Some Traditional cleaning methods of bronze statues include:
- Mix tamarind paste with lemon water and use a soft washcloth to gently wipe the surface of the statue, then rinse thoroughly with plain water.
- Boil soap nuts in water and use the resulting solution to clean the statue, which helps maintain the shine of bronze.
For most environments, cleaning and oiling a bronze statue just a few times a year is sufficient. However, in areas with high humidity, dust, or pollution, a bit of extra care may be needed. With proper maintenance, the statue will retain its beauty, and the intricate details of the artwork will remain sharp and well-defined for generations.