Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c7.126

v1.c7.126

In regard to bronze images, it is believed by some that India could not have known the *cire perdue* method of making metal images earlier than about the tenth century A.D., and that India must have therefore borrowed it from Europe. That the art of casting metals in wax moulds is much older in India can be shown in more ways than one. Taking first literature, we meet in it statements like the following :—*lōhajatvē madhūchchhishṭam agninārdrīkṛitantu yat| vastrēṇa śōdhayēt sarvam dōsham tyaktvā tu śilpinā|*, which means that, if images have to be cast in metal, the wax must first be melted and poured (out of the mould) and all defects removed with cloth. (*Kāraṇāgama*, chap. 11, v. 41). Again, verse 21, chap. 34 of the *Suprabhēdāgama* runs thus :—*mṛinmayam yadi-kuryāchchhechchhūlan-tatra prakalpayēt| lōhajañcha viśēshēṇa madhūchchhishṭēna nirmitam|*, that is, if the image is required to be made of earth, rods (of metal or wood) must be inserted (in them) ; if of