Masterpiece Superfine Bronze Dancing Saraswati (Sculptor: Award Winner Nilakantha Acharya Ji)

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Maa Saraswati in this Hoysala-inspired bronze is dancing elegantly, her legs positioned with such a grace that the sculpture appears to be flying. Her divine presence is marked by the aura behind her high-rising crown. The detailing of the traditional Hoysala art is captured masterfully by the award-winning maker of this idol, Nilakantha Acharya Ji, who has given specific attention to every piece of jewelry, making them fitting for the great goddess. Ornate Makara Kundala (earrings), Skanda-aabhushana (shoulder ornaments), bajubanda (armband), keyura (bracelet), mudrika (rings), Nupur (ankle ornament), and Nupurapadika below that- the list is overwhelming. The immensely graceful physique of the divine Saraswati is tastefully highlighted by the sacred thread or yajnopavita, running across her torso and the intricately designed Mekhala or girdle that is wrapped around her otherwise bare lower body. Detailing by the artist can be seen on the sole of the upraised foot on which pleasing auspicious motifs are drawn. The Veena- Saraswati’s distinguished instrument looks charming in the way it is presented and held in Devi’s primary hands, and in the manner in which she has her fingers placed gently. The other two hands carry the holy book (Veda) and a rosary. The sculpture is carved in a rounded manner, because of which the reverse of the idol carries detailing of the Shirichakara (circular head ornament) shaped like a flower and tassels of the waist belt, which is strikingly swaying. Noteworthy is the artist’s attention to the delineation of the lotus platform and the peacock that sits adjacent to it.

The paradisiacal magnificence of goddess Saraswati reflects the eternal bliss of great wisdom. Her countenance echoes a peaceful stillness as well as the culmination of the ecstasy in her agile steps. As the center and source of all things creative in the world, the dance of Saraswati, as represented in this brass is the coming together and lyrical movement of the creative forces of the world. 

Sculpting Dreams in Metal: The Enigmatic Alchemy of Panchaloha Bronze Masterpieces

Bronze statues and sculptures are known for their exquisite beauty and the divinity that they emit all around the space. Bronze is considered an excellent metal alloy, composed primarily of copper and tin. Many properties make it suitable for sculpting even the most intricate and complex structures. There was a period in history, known as the “Bronze Age'', in which most sculptors preferred to work with Bronze as it was considered the hardest metal. Bronze is especially appreciated for its durability, ductility, and corrosion-resistance properties. India is especially known for its elegant workmanship of skills working with Bronze. The artisans of a town named Swamimalai in South India have been following a tradition of bronze murti making for ages. They use a special material known as Panchaloha bronze to make fascinating icons of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. All of us are allured by the beauty of bronze statues and sculptures but there goes a tough hand in casting those masterpieces with little or no imperfections. Since it is an extremely elaborate process, a sculptor needs to be highly skilled in making bronze antiques. The most common technique for casting bronze sculptures that has been followed since ancient times is the “Lost-wax” process which involves many steps:

1. Clay model making

The making of a bronze statue or sculpture starts with preparing a full-sized clay (usually Plasticine) model of the sculpture. This allows the artist to have an idea about the overall shape and form of the desired sculpture before working with bronze, a much more expensive and difficult-to-work-with material.

2. Mould making

Once the clay model is ready, a mould of the original sculpture is made. This is done by carefully covering the clay model with plaster strips. This step is carried out in such a way that no air bubbles are formed. It takes up to 24 hours for the plaster to dry. Once dried, the plaster is then gently removed from the clay model. The removal happens easily because the inner mould is usually made of materials such as polyurethane rubber or silicone.

3. Wax filling and removal

In this step, molten bronze or wax is poured or filled into the mould in such a way that it gets even into the finest details. The mould is then turned upside down and left to cool and harden. When the wax has hardened, it is removed from the mould.

4. Chasing

Chasing is the process in which the artist refines the surface of the bronze statue using various tools to achieve fine details. This smoothens the surface and gives the statue a finished look. If some parts of the statue were moulded separately, they are now heated and attached.

5. Applying a patina

Bronze sculptures are known for their unique look or sheen on the surface. This may take several years to achieve naturally. Applying patina to bronze sculptures is an important step to make them appear attractive. Working with clay, plaster mould, and molten wax can be messy and therefore sculptors wear old clothes and remain careful. The entire process of making a bronze statue takes several months to complete. Bronze sculptures last for many centuries because of the high durability of the material. Many centuries down the line, these sculptures continue to be appreciated for their majestic beauty.