BUDDHA GENESIS
50 images Created 4 Dec 2019
Sculpturing A Clay Mould
This step begins with drawing the figure of the Buddha image on the paper to calculate the size of the image and to find the position to put the supporting steel. Then the sculptor sketches the three-dimensional model using plasticine and expands the model to the desired size.
The ancient technique of making the Buddha image uses natural clay to build a clay mould. If the sculptors want the mould to be durable and long lasting, they will mix the clay with straw paper or bark paper.
To prepare the clay for sculpturing the Buddha image, the sculptors pound the clay and put it in water. Then the clay is mixed with sifted sand and water in the appropriate ratio. Then the sculptor builds the supporting steel structure by putting the cross-shape iron core inside the clay mould in order to make a rough-hewn model.
In the moulding stage, the sculptor uses the prepared clay to mould on the rough-hewn model. This stage requires skilful sculptors, who refine the detail of the mould. Then the sculptor will spray water on the mould and cover it with wet cloth and plastic to protect the mould from getting dry. This stage takes six to eight weeks.
Metal (Gold) Casting
The metal that is commonly used in this step of casting is brass, copper, or bronze. The sculptor melts the metal and pours it in the mould ( Thai gold pouring).
Before the brass is poured, the mould is baked. The wax layer inside will melt and flow out of the mould, leaving the shape of the Buddha's image inside the mould.
The gold pouring ceremony is typically arranged at an auspicious time. Nine to ten monks and one Brahmin are invited to perform the ceremony. The gold pouring ceremony is very significant to the people who are present as it is considered a highly meritorious deed. Some patrons throw their own gold ornaments into the melting pot so that it becomes part of the resulting image.
After sanding, spraying and drying, the image is painted with oil paint (eg the eyes) and gilded with gold leaf. This gives a perfect golden Buddha image ready for placement in the temple.
In BURMA the process is similar though beeswax is often used instead of clay. Many statues from Amarapura are hand carved out of marble and other semiprecious stones.
This step begins with drawing the figure of the Buddha image on the paper to calculate the size of the image and to find the position to put the supporting steel. Then the sculptor sketches the three-dimensional model using plasticine and expands the model to the desired size.
The ancient technique of making the Buddha image uses natural clay to build a clay mould. If the sculptors want the mould to be durable and long lasting, they will mix the clay with straw paper or bark paper.
To prepare the clay for sculpturing the Buddha image, the sculptors pound the clay and put it in water. Then the clay is mixed with sifted sand and water in the appropriate ratio. Then the sculptor builds the supporting steel structure by putting the cross-shape iron core inside the clay mould in order to make a rough-hewn model.
In the moulding stage, the sculptor uses the prepared clay to mould on the rough-hewn model. This stage requires skilful sculptors, who refine the detail of the mould. Then the sculptor will spray water on the mould and cover it with wet cloth and plastic to protect the mould from getting dry. This stage takes six to eight weeks.
Metal (Gold) Casting
The metal that is commonly used in this step of casting is brass, copper, or bronze. The sculptor melts the metal and pours it in the mould ( Thai gold pouring).
Before the brass is poured, the mould is baked. The wax layer inside will melt and flow out of the mould, leaving the shape of the Buddha's image inside the mould.
The gold pouring ceremony is typically arranged at an auspicious time. Nine to ten monks and one Brahmin are invited to perform the ceremony. The gold pouring ceremony is very significant to the people who are present as it is considered a highly meritorious deed. Some patrons throw their own gold ornaments into the melting pot so that it becomes part of the resulting image.
After sanding, spraying and drying, the image is painted with oil paint (eg the eyes) and gilded with gold leaf. This gives a perfect golden Buddha image ready for placement in the temple.
In BURMA the process is similar though beeswax is often used instead of clay. Many statues from Amarapura are hand carved out of marble and other semiprecious stones.
