Intangible Cultural Heritage Lost-Wax Casting

Millennia of传承 bronze casting techniques

Lost-wax casting is one of the most exquisite techniques in the history of Chinese bronze casting, with a history of over 2,500 years. It has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Process:
Step 1: Wax sculpting - Artisans hand-carve the shape of the object from pure natural beeswax.
Step 2: Coating with refractory clay - The wax mold is progressively coated with layers of refractory clay slurry and air-dried to form a sturdy shell.
Step 3: High-temperature de-waxing - In a high-temperature kiln, the wax melts and flows out, leaving a precise cavity.
Step 4: Bronze pouring - Molten bronze is poured into the cavity, and after cooling, the clay mold is broken to retrieve the casting.
Step 5: Finishing and polishing - The object undergoes fine polishing and chiseling to give it its final luster and texture.

BRONZE AGE adheres to the authentic lost-wax casting technique, with each piece handmade from start to finish by intangible cultural heritage artisans.