Metalworking in bronze age China: the lost-wax process

Abstract

"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"--

Contents

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.