Bronze Sculpture & Figurine Casting

Bronze is the traditional name for a broad range of copper alloys. Bronze is generally comprised of copper and tin. It was found centuries ago that the addition of tin increases the corrosion resistance and strength of bronze. Bronze is believed to have been first used during the Bronze Age and provided tools, weapons and armor that were more durable than their stone and copper predecessors.

The creation of bronze sculpture and bronze art is one of the most ancient forms of art. For over 3,000 years, bronze has played an important role in sculpture and art. Bronze tools revolutionized the art of wood and stone working, and served as a new and durable way for artist to express themselves.

Bronze sculpture and figurines created using the "lost wax" approach have stood the test of time, telling the stories of past cultures and religions. As an example, ancient Chinese sculpture and figurines often depicted Chinese folklore. Indian and Egyptian art frequently represented deities. All tell a story of what was important to that society at the time they were cast. See the section below entitled "Bronze Sculpture", for more on the "lost wax" approach to bronze art working.

Some of the cultures and religions represented in the bronze sculpture and figurines no longer exist and others have evolved, but the telling visual history survives through their bronze sculptures and art. Many of the elements of the lost wax bronze sculpture process have been refined, yet bronze sculpture and figurine casting today remains much like it was centuries ago.

Bronze was and continues to be a prominent metal in Chinese art. The earliest Chinese bronze sculptures and art works in any form are in bronze. Early Chinese bronze sculptures, figurines and art works are of great value for their esthetic appeal, highly detailed decoration, patina, beauty of form, and for their historical documentary value.

Bronze Sculpture & Figurines

Today, cast bronze is unchallenged in the fine arts as a medium, especially for sculpture and figurines. The durability of bronze make it preferable to many other art mediums. Bronze sculpture and figurines using the lost wax process offers the freedom of conception that is impossible in other mediums.

The process for creating modern bronze sculpture and figurines begins with the artist creating the original sculpture or work of art. This is done in a much softer medium such as clay, wax or wood. Once the artist perfects the original sculpture or figurine, a flexible mold is made by coating the original with liquefied rubber.

When the rubber dries, a protective plaster mold is built around each half of the rubber mold. Molten wax is then poured into the inside of the two rubber molds, creating two wax shells. The wax shells are joined together to create a wax copy of the original sculpture or figurine.

The wax sculpture or figurine is then covered with a plaster, sand and water mixture called an investment. The investment containing the wax sculpture or figurine is then fired in a kiln at high temperatures. During this process the wax melts and flows out, this where the term lost wax comes from. Through this process of heating, the investment turns into a permanent mold. What is left is an empty cavity with a near perfect copy of the original sculpture or figurine.

Next, molten bronze is poured into the mold. After the bronze cools, the mold is broken away and the newly created bronze sculpture or figurine is removed. It is then cleaned and any imperfections created by the molding process are refinished.

The final step in creating a finished bronze sculpture or figurine is treatment with chemicals and heat to give the bronze a color or patina. The surface of the bronze may look like it is painted but it this is actually the result of a chemical reaction between the bronze, the chemicals, and air.

Cold Cast Bronze Sculpture & Figurines

A more recent development in bronze sculpture and figurine making which is gaining in popularity is cold cast bronze. Finely ground bronze powder is mixed with a small amount of high quality resin, and then poured into a mold. The resulting sculpture or figurine is essentially bronze, which has been cast using a "cold" room temperature metal bonding process.

If done properly, the finished work has the weight and appearance of solid bronze. Typically, limited edition cold cast bronze sculptures are individually numbered to identify each cold cast bronze sculpture or figurine as a part of the total edition, which can increase the value for collectors.