BELL WITH TRISHUL

This handcrafted bell is made using five different metals popularly known as panchaloha with trishul on top of it.

Used during poojas in Shivaite homes, this bell is from Kerala region. These were crafted using the lost-wax method to produce a specific ring.

The lost-wax technique includes a series of distinct stages which begins with an artist creating an original detailed model using wax. Then the actual mould that covers the wax statue is made using white clay, pasty mixture, rice husk and sand. Once the mould is dry, a small hole is made in the mould and it is heated so that the wax melts and runs out leaving the mould hollow. Molten metal like bronze or brass is then poured through the hole and it is left to cool. The outer mould is then chipped away to uncover the statue. Delicate reconstructive work is done on it for the final finishing. All the antique metal idols made using this method are one-of-a-kind and can never be reproduced as the mould needs to be broken to take out the casting.