Chola Bronze Sculpture: Chronology
Swami Malai is a town in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur district, located on the banks of the Kaveri river. During the Chola period, after the construction of Thanjavur Brihadeeswara temple in the 11th century and the Darasuram Airavateswarar temple in the 12th century, a group of artisans called the "sthapatis" settled down in Swami Malai.
Who was Sthapatis?
Sthapati means "builder or master carpenter." After settling here, the Sthapatis started making the Chola bronze sculptures. Around three hundred families still cast the Chola. Thanjavur is home to bronze statues. Sthapatis uses the lost wax method for making the Chola bronze statue. Many important Chola Bronze Structures were seen during The Chola Period and are still seen now. Many noteworthy Chola bronze structures can be seen throughout the Chola period. The statues of Natraja: The dancing Shiva, Shiva Parvati: Ardhanarishvarar and Somskanda, and Ganesha are well-known.
Making of Chola bronze statues:
The Casting Process:
The casting process starts with making the wax model of the Chola bronze statue. Beeswax, resin, and ground-nut oil make up wax. This mixture is heated and poured into molds; the final structure and size of the murti arrive based on "Agama shastra". A strip of coconut tree leaf, trimmed to the length of the model, was used to take measurements. The leaves were folded to different extents for various parts of the model in proportion to the length of the statue.
The Dry Wax Model:
The dry wax model was covered with fine alluvial soil. The model's size determines the soil thickness. After that, the model is left to dry. Holes are drilled in the mold to allow the molten metal to pour in and the molten wax and gases generated during the casting process to drain out. After the model is dry, another layer of clay is applied. The dry mold is reinforced using metal wires to avoid breakage. The mold is then heated to melt the wax inside, and the molten wax is collected.
The Lost Wax Method:
About 50% of the wax is lost during this process. The wax was not collected before; instead, it was used to dissipate as vapors. So the process is known as the "Lost wax method".
The Process Of Molding:
Once the wax drains out, the mold is removed from the fire.
An additional layer of clay is put into the hot mold.
The mold is again set on fire to altogether remove all the traces of wax left in the mold.
At the same time, the raw metals were filled into crucibles.
The bronze used is copper, brass, and lead in the ratio of 29:2:1.
The crucibles can withstand high temperatures and are placed in the heating system to melt the metal.
The mold is transported to the new trench after the molten wax has been drained.
The crucible is taken out of the furnace and molten metal is poured into the mold through the holes that have been supplied.
While still hot, melted metal is dumped to avoid instant cooling and damage.
The casting was left to cool for a day.
Then the mold is broken to remove the casting.
Antique Bronze Sculpture:
The molds, once used, are not reusable because every mold is broken to remove the casting out of it. This makes every Chola bronze sculpture a solitary piece. The statue derived is partial and must be sculptured. The structure and details of the original wax model are obtained by smoothing the rough surface. The details of clothes, ornaments, and other final touches are carved onto the sculpture. Finally, the bronze pieces were polished. Each icon is special. After this long and hard-working process, the Chola bronze statue is finally made.
Best Venue For Antique Collectors:
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Antique Bronze Sculpture Dealers:
Restoration and resale, hobby collecting, and interior design are all reasons why individuals acquire antiques. Some individuals collect them as a form of nostalgia. If you want to add something antique and vintage to your collection, you must look at the "cottage9" collection. In Cottage9, you'll find antiques from all over the world, such as the Chola bronze statue.
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