TRADITIONAL PROCESS OF CASTING

The process adopted is “madhuchishtavidhana” or the lost-wax process (cire perdue) and all images required for worship are cast in solid methods known as Ghana as described in the Shilpasastra in the treatise “Manasara”. The figure is first fashioned in the hard wax and then covered with successive layers of clay till a thick solid coat is obtained. The entire clay is then heated in an oven so that the wax drains out in a liquid form. Into the hollow space thus created the molten metal is poured. After allowing it to cool, the outer shell is broken and the metal image taken out. Then chasing, chiseling and polishing done. While making larger models a central core of higher material was often used while preparing wax model. This remained in metal image helping reduction in weight. Each piece was cast individually and there was no question mass production. The whole process is described in detail as follows