This page was created by Qianqian Wang.
Reclining Cat: How was this made?
The method of production for this piece would likely be the lost-wax casting method due to the intricacy of the design and the time period it originates from. This method was commonly used for creating bronze sculptures with fine details in Persia (modern-day Iran). The lost-wax casting method would have allowed for the detailed inscriptions and decorative motifs to be captured in the bronze. The inlaid copper details suggest an additional step that 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, a technique known as damascening or inlay. The process of inlay involves carefully carving out sections where the different metal would be placed. These recessed areas would then be filled with copper, which would be hammered or pressed into place and then polished, creating a smooth surface with the contrasting metal flush with the surrounding bronze. This technique enhances the visual appeal and demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship of the artisans from that period.