The lost wax process method of bronze casting was developed in South India during the time of Chola Empire (900 A.D.). It was the golden age of arts in Dravidian history. The bronze statues adorned the famous temples like Tanjavur Bragadeswarar, Chidambaram Natarajar etc. which are considered as the epitome of Cholan architecture. The abundance of wealth that existed during the reign of “Raja Raja Chola” encouraged him to initiate large scale development of lost wax process of bronze casting.
             Beeswax is used to create the mould. The figure is made from the wax with all the details. The entire figure is then covered with clay. The bronze mixture called “Pancha Loham” is melted and poured into the empty clay-mould. The wax model melts and flows out. When the mixture is cooled, the mould is broken off. The bronze figure thus obtained is then cleaned, finishing touches are added, impurities are removed, smoothened, and polished. Each bronze statue that is created is unique.                    The traditional statues exhibits unique dancing poses called “Thandavam”. There are 108 thandavams in Bharatha Natyam (ancient Indian danceform), they portray lord Shiva’s dancing pose. The statues also have variety of hand gestures called “Muthras”. The Dravidian art does not provide greater detail in facial expression or physical structure like in western art instead the variations lies in the pose and body positions. This is mainly due to the fact that the features of the body are made using the same measurements found in the ancient techniques and are handed down from one generation to the next.    
              A separate community of people has dedicated their lives for centuries to develop this fine art. These craftsmen are called “Stapathis”. The stapathis follow a strict traditional discipline to create the statues since they have religious and devotional values. The Hindu gods and goddesses in the inner sanctum of temples are usually made of these pancha logam bronze statues. Apart from temples nowadays the statues can be seen in hotel lobbies, office receptions etc.

The lost wax process method of bronze casting was developed in South India during the time of Chola Empire (900 A.D.). It was the golden age of arts in Dravidian history. The bronze statues adorned the famous temples like Tanjavur Bragadeswarar, Chidambaram Natarajar etc. which are considered as the epitome of Cholan architecture. The abundance of wealth that existed during the reign of “Raja Raja Chola” encouraged him to initiate large scale development of lost wax process of bronze casting.
             Beeswax is used to create the mould. The figure is made from the wax with all the details. The entire figure is then covered with clay. The bronze mixture called “Pancha Loham” is melted and poured into the empty clay-mould. The wax model melts and flows out. When the mixture is cooled, the mould is broken off. The bronze figure thus obtained is then cleaned, finishing touches are added, impurities are removed, smoothened, and polished. Each bronze statue that is created is unique.                    The traditional statues exhibits unique dancing poses called “Thandavam”. There are 108 thandavams in Bharatha Natyam (ancient Indian danceform), they portray lord Shiva’s dancing pose. The statues also have variety of hand gestures called “Muthras”. The Dravidian art does not provide greater detail in facial expression or physical structure like in western art instead the variations lies in the pose and body positions. This is mainly due to the fact that the features of the body are made using the same measurements found in the ancient techniques and are handed down from one generation to the next.    
              A separate community of people has dedicated their lives for centuries to develop this fine art. These craftsmen are called “Stapathis”. The stapathis follow a strict traditional discipline to create the statues since they have religious and devotional values. The Hindu gods and goddesses in the inner sanctum of temples are usually made of these pancha logam bronze statues. Apart from temples nowadays the statues can be seen in hotel lobbies, office receptions etc.