Lost-wax casting: where matter comes alive

At the heart of brass craftsmanship lies something deeper than technique: a transformation. 
A gesture that shapes raw matter and turns it into form, voice, and soul. 
This is the magic of lost-wax casting, an ancient technique, over 6,000 years old, still used today by the finest artisans. 

Tradition and innovation: a creative dialogue 

The journey begins with a model — an idea that takes shape as a three-dimensional object, whether sculpted by hand or digitally designed. 
Alongside hand-carved wax or wood, we now find graphic tablets and 3D printing — different tools, same purpose: bringing imagination to life. 

What is lost-wax casting? 

It’s a time-honored process that allows the creation of unique, richly detailed, organic forms. 
The technique’s name reveals its core: the wax is “lost”, melted and drained, leaving space for molten metal to take its place. 
But before that happens, each piece follows a series of precise — almost ritual — steps. 

The steps of lost-wax casting 

1. Model making: the process begins with a detailed wax model (or a 3D-printed resin version), faithfully replicating the final object down to the smallest feature.

2. Investment in refractory material: the wax model is then coated with a ceramic or refractory material, forming a solid mold that captures every surface and curve.

3. Wax burnout: the mold is fired in a kiln: the wax melts and drains away, leaving a perfectly shaped hollow cavity.

4. Pouring the metal: molten brass (at about 900–950°C) is poured into the mold, filling every corner once occupied by the wax.

5. Breaking the mold: after cooling, the ceramic shell is broken away, revealing the raw brass form beneath.

6. Finishing and chasing: the piece is then cleaned, polished, and refined by hand. Some surfaces are left natural, others are burnished or hand-finished to a reflective shine.

Want to learn more?


If you're curious to explore this fascinating technique in depth, don’t miss the video where Simone walks through the lost-wax casting process step by step — a traditional method full of history, precision, and a touch of magic.

You'll see everything from the wax model to the final metal casting.

Watch the video