Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c7.127

v1.c7.127

metals, it must first be prepared well in wax. Lastly, the fourteenth paṭala of the *Viṣṇu-saṃhitā* has this—*lōhē sikhtamayīm-archām kārayitvā mṛidāvṛitam-suvarṇādīni saṃśōdhya vidrāvyān-gāra-vapunah-kuśalaiḥ kārayēdyatnāt sampūrṇam sarvatō ghanam*, which means that, if an image is to be made of metal, it must first be made in wax, and then coated with earth. Gold or other metals are purified and cast into (the mould) and a complete image is thus obtained by capable workmen.