Gautama Buddha was born in 563 bc in northeast India. The Buddha was the son of the King of the Sakyas. Suddhodana, who ruled at Kapilavastu. The Bronze age for smelting bronze from tin and copper alloys began in 3000 B.C. this tells me that bronze workers were well on the scene before the Buddha. and I can imagine that the artisans of the early, early times had their own religious inspirations; but what were they? At this point in my studies I don’t know whom or what these early artisans were creating. do any of you know? I would be most interested in learning about the mythological icons or religious / Holy / spiritual art that was being created before The Lord Buddha became so popular.
What I think is most interesting is that bronze artisans have been practicing the art of lost wax and sand wax statue making for over 2000 years before they had ever conceived of making bronze Buddha statues. But when I look at the market place today. it seems like these statues are every where and have always existed. do any of you own a bronze Buddha statue?
Another thing I like about bronze Buddha Statues is that they are so durable. The bronzes of today; made from refined tin and copper make for a very sturdy, pliable and durable casting material. Bronze finishes can either be shinny / polished or dull. I think both types have their place, but I do tend to lean towards liking polished bronze statues better than the dull finished ones. I read some where that the polished bronze statues are popular with temples as they are used in puja ceremonies where the deity is anointed or bathed in water. and the polished finish helps protect the metal from rust / dulling or patina. Plus they are easier to keep looking new with the simple application of some organic coconut oil with a cotton cloth.
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