Lost-Wax casting, or cire perdue is the process by which a metal sculpture (often silver, gold, brass or bronze) is cast from an original wax carving. Dependent on the sculptor’s skills, intricate works can be achieved by this method. The oldest known examples of this technique date back to the Chalcolithic period (4500–3500 BC). The amount of time and delicate work that goes into the production of each piece is outlined as follows:
Creation of the wax model
Forming the mold around the wax model
Casting of the mold
Finishing of the piece.
The process, extremely accurate for replicating detail, is an arduous and time-consuming craft, resulting in a one-of-a-kind work of art.
