Metal sculpting and decorative work are considered treasured forms of art in many cultures of the world.  The principal techniques in this field of work have not changed much over the ages: modeling, carving, casting, cladding, and construction are all methods that could be traced to ancient times.  Perhaps the most common statuary method is what’s called the lost-wax technique practiced all over the world.  (Donatello's David was made by the lost-wax process.)

The design techniques for decorative handicrafts still include delicate scratch work and use of embedded semi-precious stones.  Blazing may still involve hand-operated machines, and stroke work adds to the grace of the craftsmanship.

Needless to say, the work in this field is extremely skill and labor intensive, and can become very expensive.  For commercial projects, therefore, more economical methods are sometimes employed.  In statuary, for example, figures may be created in mild-density fiber with an outer cladding of bronze or brass.

Metals used commonly in this product category include brass, bronze, and copper.  This website has some illustrations of the products in this category; we also have a number of samples at display in our office.