We Are a Craft Company using the generation old Shakya Lost Wax Method of Statue Making
Here we explain each of the steps involved in crafting the beautiful statues. You can also check out our YouTube video showing the steps involved. Also like, share and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
The process
Creation of Masterpiece
The artist envisions the statue and creates a wax figure. This is created through sculpting using traditional tools. This first piece of statue that has been sculpted by hand is known as the Masterpiece Statue.
Thasa Kagu (Moulding)
Thasa kagu (Moulding) is the process of taking the shape of the masterpiece. Moulding is generally done through Rubber (rubber moulding) or wax.
Many wax figures of the masterpiece can now be replicated after this process.
Chaa Bhunegu
Chaa Bhunegu refers to coating the wax model with a thin layer of a clay mixture (a mix of cow dung and black clay) called meysii payegu, and then coating it with a mixture of yellow clay and dry hay to make the mould strong.
Dhale Yaigu (Casting)
After heating the cast, the wax melts off through an opening created in the mould. Melted Metal (Copper) is then added to the mould which fills the vacant spaces left by the wax.
After the mould has been dried, it is then broken to get the metal figure. This entire process is called Dhale Yaigu (Casting)
Katan Kigu (Carving/Engraving)
When the metal figure comes out of the mould, it is still in its raw form. The statues are first cleaned and all sand present in the statue is taken out. After this, the carving craftsman begins to engrave using traditional tools.
Carving and engraving gives detailing to the raw metal statue. ‘Buttakigu’ is a part of the engraving, whereby the artist adds various designs in the robes of the statue.
Buffing
Buffing is the process of polishing the statues after it has been carved and engraved.
Gilding/Oxidizing
After Buffing, we are now able to plate the statue with gold or silver and oxidize them. We use Fire mercury gilding to coat the statues with either gold or silver.
Khwa Chwe-gu (Face Painting)
Face painting is the final stage of the statue making process. The face is painted using melted gold and the use of poster colours to paint the eye and the lips.
Fwo Thu-nui (Adding Turquoise Stones)
Now we add turquoise stones in the jewelleries of the statues. After this, the statue is ready to be blessed and put in the shrine of the practitioner.
