What is lost-wax casting? -- Metalworking in Bronze age China -- Was lost-wax casting used in Bronze age China? -- Further confirmed lost-wax castings I: the Xiasi Jin -- Further confirmed lost-wax castings II: certain "diatrete" vessels and mirrors -- Further confirmed lost-wax castings III: objects with "interpenetrating" openwork appendages -- Design as the driving force -- The origin of the lost-wax technique in Bronze age China -- Coda: additional issues and comments.
Summary:
"This is the first study that adopts a comprehensive, thorough, and interdisciplinary approach toward early Chinese lost-wax castings. With more than 80 images, this book provides a study on the "norms," which are seldom questioned. By examining the reasons why Chinese founders often chose not to use the lost-wax process they had clearly mastered, the book refutes the idea that lost-wax technology is the only "right way" to cast bronzes. This study demonstrates that a "norm" is in many ways an illusion that twists our comprehension of art, technology, civilization, and history"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.