Bronze is a unique alloy in that it expands and retracts at moments critical to the sculpting process. Before completely setting, bronze expands to imprint the mold’s most intricate details. Upon cooling, it shrinks just enough to be easily removed while maintaining original design elements. The resulting statue takes on every minute detail and separates from the mold easily without breakage.
Part of what makes bronze so desirable is its durability. The alloy is incredibly strong, not like brittle ceramic and stone materials that require interior support. Many more ancient bronze statues would have survived, but larger monuments were often melted down in times of war for weapons and other fighting implements. Those same bronze pieces were often employed in the creation of new statues for whoever won the war.
Cast Bronze Four Seasons Fountain
Ancient China and Egypt were quite familiar with lost-wax casting. Archaeologists have discovered Chinese ritual bronzes from the Shang Dynasty and thousands of small bronze figurines from Egypt’s dynastic era. Many extant examples are featured in museums the world over. Bronze casting was also incredibly popular during the Chola dynasty in South India. For modern statues, bronze is 90% copper and 10% tin, but historically the percentages have always remained similar.
Bronze was a favored alloy even before ancient Greece (Bronze Age). The Greeks were not the first bronze smelters and sculptors, but they made the switch from figurines to life-size sculptures. Since bronze is valuable no matter the form, few examples of ancient sculptures exist today. Conquerors would destroy their rivals’ bronze only to have it recast in their own image.
Bronze Lady with Floral Garland
At MBW we also offer custom bronze statues using the wax-casting method. Our custom bronze is carved and finished entirely by hand. You can commission bronze statuary from any style or era. We will incorporate quality materials and workmanship with your choices to create beautiful and long-lasting artwork. We always use superior materials in our handmade furniture and accessories.