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Statue Making:
The Lost-Wax Method
Statues are made through a long-established process that involves many artists and craftspeople. Each stage of the work is handled by someone trained specifically in that part of the process. From the first wax model to the final finishing steps, the method brings together several families of craftsmen who take part in creating each statue.
The process begins with a wax figure shaped by hand using traditional tools. This initial wax model, formed according to the artist’s vision, is known as the Masterpiece Statue.
This stage, known as thasa kagu, involves creating molds from the wax original. Rubber or wax is used to capture the shape of the Masterpiece Statue, allowing many identical wax figures to be produced from the same design.
In this stage, called dhale yaigu, the replicated wax figures are coated with layers of sand mixed with cow dung. After heating the mold, the wax melts out through an opening. Molten copper is then poured in, filling the space left by the wax. Once cooled, the mold is broken to reveal the raw metal figure.
Known as katan kigu, this stage begins once the raw metal figure is removed from the mold and cleaned. Craftsmen use traditional tools to carve and engrave the statue, adding the detailed lines and patterns. A part of this work, called buttakigu, involves creating the designs on the robes.
After the carving and engraving are complete, the statue is polished. This buffing stage smooths the surface and prepares it for gilding or oxidizing.
After buffing, the statue is plated in gold or silver, or finished with oxidation. Fire-mercury gilding is used to apply the 24k gold or silver coating.
Called khwa chwe-gu, this stage completes the statue. The face is painted using melted gold, with poster colors used to define the eyes and lips.
In this final stage, called fwo thu-nui, turquoise stones are set into the statue’s jewelry. After this, the statue is complete and ready to be blessed before being placed on a practitioner’s shrine.
The process begins with a wax figure shaped by hand using traditional tools. This initial wax model, formed according to the artist’s vision, is known as the Masterpiece Statue.
This stage, known as thasa kagu, involves creating molds from the wax original. Rubber or wax is used to capture the shape of the Masterpiece Statue, allowing many identical wax figures to be produced from the same design.
In this stage, called dhale yaigu, the replicated wax figures are coated with layers of sand mixed with cow dung. After heating the mold, the wax melts out through an opening. Molten copper is then poured in, filling the space left by the wax. Once cooled, the mold is broken to reveal the raw metal figure.
Known as katan kigu, this stage begins once the raw metal figure is removed from the mold and cleaned. Craftsmen use traditional tools to carve and engrave the statue, adding the detailed lines and patterns. A part of this work, called buttakigu, involves creating the designs on the robes.
After the carving and engraving are complete, the statue is polished. This buffing stage smooths the surface and prepares it for gilding or oxidizing.
After buffing, the statue is plated in gold or silver, or finished with oxidation. Fire-mercury gilding is used to apply the 24k gold or silver coating.
Called khwa chwe-gu, this stage completes the statue. The face is painted using melted gold, with poster colors used to define the eyes and lips.
In this final stage, called fwo thu-nui, turquoise stones are set into the statue’s jewelry. After this, the statue is complete and ready to be blessed before being placed on a practitioner’s shrine.
This video from the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art offers a clear and beautiful look at traditional lost-wax casting, providing a helpful sense of how these statues come to life.