How was the Reclining Cat made?
This piece was probably made by lost-wax casting, which was commonly used for creating bronze sculptures with fine details in medieval Persia (Iran). The lost-wax casting method would have allowed for the detailed inscriptions and decorative motifs to be captured. The inlaid copper details suggest an additional step was taken after the casting. Once the bronze had cooled and been freed from the mold, artisans would inlay copper into the incised areas to create a visual contrast and highlight these features, The copper would be hammered or pressed into place and then polished, creating a smooth copper surface flush with the surrounding bronze. This technique enhances the visual appeal and demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship of the artisans from that period.
Audrey Wang, Class of 2025, College of the Holy Cross
