| 1.Wax
is first painted then poured into the mold, so that every crevice is filled, allowing
for maximum detail. |
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| 2.After
the wax statue is removed from the mold, all the details are perfected by hand. |
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3.The
wax impression is surrounded by wax sprues. The sprues allow air to escape during
the brass pouring, preventing air bubbles in the finished piece. |
| 4.The
wax impression then encased inside and out with refined clay. |
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The
exceptional detail inherent in our sculptures is created as each
piece is cast by the "cire perdue," or "lost wax"
method, dating back to ancient Egypt and refined in Rome and later
Paris.
After
a mold is created from an original sculpture, wax is poured into
the mold (1), and after hardening
and removing the mold, all the details are perfected (2).
The
wax impression is encased inside and out with refined clay (3)
and (4). Once the clay sets, the
wax impression is fired in a kiln; the wax melts out of the clay
mold, and is "lost" (5).
The void created by the melted wax in the clay mold is then filled
with molten brass, which is identical to the wax impression it
replaced (6).
The
clay mold surrounding and inside the sculpture is delicately removed,
revealing the cast sculpture, which is subsequently finished by
buffing, polishing and patinizing to give the piece its final
verdigris (green-grey) or bronze lustre (7),
(8), and (9).
This
labor intensive method of lost wax casting produces unique sculptures
with exceptionally fine detail of lasting durability, and which
are aesthetically warm and ruggedly handsome. Each piece is cast
and assembled by our artists one at a time, just as the originals
were. Variations in color, finish, size and shape will occur due
to the individual craftsmanship inherent in the process.
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| 5.Molds
after the wax has been "lost." |
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6.
The clay mold is then filled with molten brass.
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| 7.Larger
pieces sometimes require welding as they are cast from smaller pieces. |
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8.The
pieces are polished and then an oxidation formula is applied to give them their
verdi-gris patina.
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| 9.
Finally a coat of wax is applied to the oxidize piece to protect
the finish. |
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