In 1998,
Vincent spent time in Kathmandu, Nepal to research the ancient Newari
bronze casting methods. He met with Mr. Bodhi Shakya and he was kind
enough to allow me to observe and assist him and his family with
their daily bronze work.
Following the traditional rules of iconometry, they produce deity
bronzes as
Bodhi's family has done for generations. Mr. Shakya uses the centuries-old
cow dung mold method. |
Bodhi working a wax sculpture |
Cow dung shells prior to the de-waxing process |
Bodhi putting core pins into molds while his wife
applies an additional coat of the cow dung mix. After drying,
the molds will be de-waxed and prepared for casting.
|
Bodhi's son dipping sprued
waxes into the cow dung mix |
Bodhi standing by his melting
furnace. He uses coke (a form of charcoal) and forced air to
attain melting temperature |
Around Kathmandu
On days when I was not
at Bodhi's foundry, I explored Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the
capital of Nepal, and it is also the starting point for expeditions
to Mount Everest.
|
An exhibit of a
cracked-open mold after casting. This exhibit is at the Patan Museum
outside of Kathmandu. (Note the thickness of the mold) |
Swayambhunath
Temple |
Vincent with a monk at
Swayambhunath Temple (note the bronze prayer wheels) |
A monkey resident of
Swayambhunath Temple |
Vincent in one of the eleven
Chaityas at Pashupatinath Temple |
One of the hundreds of
monkeys that call Pashupatinath Temple home |
Appreciating a
nicely-rendered sculpture of Hanuman |
A Sadhu of Pashupatinath Temple |
