Metal Casting and Silver Embossing
A rough piece of an idol to be made is first created with clay. The prepared wax mix is slightly warmed for flexibility and then coated on the clay model. Fine carvings and detailing work are done on the wax model. This wax figure is again coated with the clay twice or thrice. Several coatings of clay help to protect the wax model. Once the clay coating is done, it is allowed to dry under shade for two days.
The dried mould is hard enough for the heating process. Clay coated wax model is heated at a very high temperature, inside the hot chambers from which the wax is melted and comes out. Now the metal Panchaloha (or it can be Brass depending on the requirement) is melted and poured into the mould. This metal goes inside and occupies the entire empty portion within the mould. The metal-filled mould is allowed to cool for one day. After cooling, the mould is carefully broken and the product is revealed. Now the artisan incises to obtain the final finish and embellish the facial expressions, clothing and ornamentation of the idol. The image is finely polished to achieve shine and luster.
