Scaling a complex bronze form
Zeng Hou Yi Zun-Pan
We brought digital design and handwork together to reproduce this intricate bronze form at a larger scale.
Explore the study ↗BRONZE CRAFT & KNOWLEDGE
Heritage & Research
We study and reproduce historic bronzes, practise conservation and pass on traditional craft, sharing what we learn through publications and exchange.
Artefact Research & Reproduction
The Zeng Hou Yi Zun-Pan, Chen Zhang Hu and Cai Hou Hu are three exceptionally precious, national-treasure-level bronze artefacts, distinguished by their historical and artistic value and highly complex craftsmanship. Their intricate forms, elaborate ornament and demanding structures make reproduction a formidable technical challenge. Xinjiuding has researched and reproduced a wide range of historic artefacts; these three are selected highlights from that extensive practice. We feature them here to demonstrate the depth of our research and our ability to overcome difficult making challenges, translating a detailed understanding of ancient bronze craftsmanship into accomplished reproductions.
Understanding structure through bronze reproduction
Chen Zhang Hu
We connected imaging, digital modelling and lost-wax making to study and reproduce the Chen Zhang Hu’s intricate structure.
Explore the study ↗
Studying a ritual bronze through form and ornament
Cai Hou Square Hu
We studied the lid, body and animal-form feet to understand the proportions and ornament of this ritual bronze.
Explore the study ↗Conservation Practice
We bring our knowledge of materials and handwork to the site, allowing the object and its surroundings to guide our conservation practice.
Material knowledge in a site setting
Padmasambhava Statue, Mount Wutai
At Mount Wutai, we brought material knowledge and careful handwork to localised work on the Padmasambhava statue.
Explore the study ↗Craft Heritage
We keep traditional lost-wax casting in practice. Materials, wax models and clay moulds become a means of passing on skills through work, demonstration and careful adjustment.
A workshop study through the Four Joys figures
Traditional Lost-wax Casting
Through the Four Joys figures, we share the material knowledge and hand skills behind wax modelling and clay mould preparation.
Explore the study ↗Publications & Exchange
We turn workshop experience into research and value conversations with readers, educators and artists. Their questions help us keep learning.
From workshop experience to shared knowledge
Publications & Exchange
We develop workshop questions into research, sharing what we learn through books, reading events and conversations with artists.
Explore the study ↗