---
title: "Handcrafted Chola Bronze Wax Models | Custom Sculptures & Workshops"
description: "Explore the ancient Chola lost-wax casting process. We create detailed bronze wax models for deities and offer immersive sculpture workshops in Bangalore."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/bronze_handicrafts/bronze-casting-workshops-lost-wax-technique/the-art-of-the-wax-model
last_updated: 2025-12-29
---

# Handcrafted Bronze Wax Models

Tribe Verified · Authentic Swamimalai Chola tradition

By [Divine Arts and Sculptures](https://mytribe.in/bronze_handicrafts) · Workshops held in Bengaluru and Kumbakonam · ₹6,500 Per Participant (estimate)

Part of [Bronze Casting Workshops (Lost-Wax Technique)](https://mytribe.in/bronze_handicrafts/bronze-casting-workshops-lost-wax-technique). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/bronze_handicrafts/bronze-casting-workshops-lost-wax-technique/gallery)

Every bronze icon begins its journey here, as a meticulously detailed wax model. We hand-sculpt each form using a traditional blend of bee's wax and resin, ensuring the spiritual essence is captured before the metal is poured.

## Photos and videos

- ![A view of the customized wax models for a Ranganathar set, featuring Lord Vishnu flanked by his consorts, Sridevi and Bhoodevi. The initial waxwork establishes the posture, adornments, and divine expression of each figure.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a4a42428-8513-4014-b593-b5311cabeac7)
- ![Another angle of the wax models for the Ranganathar, Sridevi, and Bhoodevi set. This view highlights the intricate jewelry and clothing details sculpted into the wax, following the classic Chola artistic style.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2330677b-5191-4693-8779-0e6ea44d2b8a)
- ![A frontal view of the Ranganathar set in its wax stage. Notice the clarity of the divine attributes, like the Sudarshana Chakra and Panchajanya shankha held by Vishnu, all carefully rendered in our special wax blend.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a3f01e04-e691-4771-a660-88c4c02bf323)
- ![A full view of the wax models for Sri Vishnu with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. This stage allows us to perfect the proportions and the spiritual essence of the deities before the casting process begins.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f18ca6d9-ff44-49a0-aa8a-76f330f5d78f)
- ![This image shows the wax models for a Balaji set, another name for Lord Vishnu, along with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. The dark, smooth surface of the wax allows for sharp, precise detailing that defines our craft.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/87b8b307-1960-411d-8cd1-2a12cb95809f)
- ![A side profile of the complex Heramba Ganapati wax model. This five-headed form of Ganesha riding a lion requires immense focus to sculpt, ensuring all ten arms and their symbolic items are correctly placed.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f319374d-281c-4320-95aa-bab71e064e48)
- ![The front view of the Heramba Ganapati wax sculpture. This powerful form is known as a protector and savior, and we channel that energy into the wax, shaping his confident and benevolent expression.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/18a3d6e9-3049-4585-9c2b-86fc2caeb581)
- ![An alternate angle of the Heramba Ganapati wax model, showing the dynamic posture of the lion mount and the intricate details of Ganesha's adornments.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1fdf5e0c-176b-4f15-a14d-17aede6b715c)
- ![A three-quarter view of the Heramba Ganapati wax model. The lost-wax casting technique ensures that this level of detail, from the lion's mane to Ganesha's crown, is beautifully preserved in the final bronze.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/569e7b13-8775-41d5-a13d-59a0c839a7f7)
- ![A final look at the front of the Heramba Ganapati wax model before it is encased in its clay mold. This is the last time the form is seen in this state before its transformation into metal.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/897d41cf-2b30-4d0c-b5ec-ae48f3981268)
- ![This is the wax model of a standing Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Even in wax, the sculpture has a sense of weight and presence, with his traditional attributes like the pasha (noose) and modak (sweet) clearly defined.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d4f61997-9163-44fb-bfaa-b4296a6d4197)
- ![A slightly different angle of the standing Ganesha wax model, showing the fine details on his crown and the gentle curve of his trunk. This is a classic form often created for home decor and personal worship.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/62846442-186a-4a95-a192-a57943360bbd)
- ![A close-up of the Ganesha wax model, highlighting the smooth finish and precise lines that are hallmarks of the Swamimalai bronze tradition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1367c0cd-bf41-4a56-ba1e-57dd28325e75)
- ![The wax stage of a Shiva Parivaram sculpture. This piece depicts Lord Shiva with his consort Parvati, and their sons Ganesha and Murugan, capturing the essence of the divine family.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/59d576db-4e86-4d44-ad29-1de37b6019a0)
- ![Here is the wax model of Swarnakarshana Bhairava, a form of Lord Shiva known to attract prosperity. The sculpture shows him with his consort, a form that requires careful balance and composition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bb8088a9-e5fa-46c3-a1f0-0cc1bf0c6ed1)
- ![The wax model of Ugra Narasimha, the fierce man-lion avatar of Lord Vishnu. This dynamic sculpture depicts the powerful moment of vanquishing evil to protect righteousness, a story we tell through our art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d34f7315-b90c-4fac-beb1-f9bd2fce67fd)
- ![A wax model replica of Lakshmi Narasimha, showing the benevolent form of Lord Vishnu with his consort Goddess Lakshmi seated on his lap. This form represents protection and prosperity combined.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a6b6e0ee-1ea1-4709-b595-1c610f72ff25)
- ![The wax model for a Lakshmi Narasimha sculpture, framed by an ornate Prabhavali arch. The entire composition, including the serpent Adishesha's hood, is first realized in wax.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dbf54c2c-bb3d-4bc2-b341-f845c9e4ba66)
- ![Another perspective of the Lakshmi Narasimha wax model, detailing the interaction between the two deities and the intricate carving on the throne and archway.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5d4d7473-4734-46c9-88f1-bdf82c0523d5)
- ![A side view of the Lakshmi Narasimha wax model, showcasing the depth and three-dimensionality of the piece before it moves to the next stage of the lost-wax process.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/34478b9f-e288-4c49-95b4-b7d2fb1cf52e)
- ![This wax model depicts Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, known for his skill as a warrior. He is shown here with his characteristic axe and bow, ready to uphold dharma.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/56da2124-e799-485b-959e-ddd7e55cb56e)
- ![The wax model of a four-armed Mahalakshmi, seated in a meditative posture. Her upper hands are shaped to hold lotuses, a symbol of purity and spiritual enlightenment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/38d8ca93-f8db-4a3c-af8c-0f6a7b118b14)
- ![A different angle of the Mahalakshmi wax model, showing the graceful posture and the detailed ornamentation on her crown and jewelry.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a725244f-dca9-42f6-898b-7c80f45988d7)
- ![A full view of a seated Mahalakshmi wax model on a lotus base. The Abhaya and Varad mudras of her lower hands are clearly defined, promising blessings and protection to her devotees.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6197496f-8f4e-45a4-a2e8-b5a108007df0)
- ![Another shot of the Mahalakshmi wax model, emphasizing the serene expression and the perfect symmetry we aim to achieve in our devotional sculptures.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2916fbb5-e38d-4990-ac63-4276b3d93997)
- ![The wax stage of Mahavarahi, a powerful goddess with the head of a boar. This multi-armed form holds various weapons, and sculpting her fierce yet protective nature in wax is a profound spiritual exercise.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/abf01e6a-27f8-448d-88be-fefda2527161)
- ![This is the wax model for a sculpture of Raja Rajeshwari, the "empress of all worlds." Her divine and regal presence is captured in the wax, from her seated posture to the symbolic items in her hands.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9e7f22a9-a369-4291-923a-da5768ca1896)
- ![A wax model of Sivagami, a form of Goddess Parvati, representing love and devotion. The outdoor setting highlights the rich, dark color of the wax and the graceful tribhanga (three-bend) posture of the figure.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e3dd1ec6-5ed6-4e4f-b504-118146cf44da)
- ![Another view of the Sivagami wax model. Crafted in the elegant Chola style, her form is both divine and deeply human, embodying the essence of loving devotion.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/08f3a627-9e67-4817-9f94-f83dc4435b6e)
- ![The wax model for a sculpture of Kalika, a powerful form of Goddess Kali. She is depicted seated upon a symbolic figure, with a Prabhavali arch behind her, all sculpted from wax.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d09754fc-ab47-4409-977a-81d34adc255f)
- ![A standing form of the goddess Kalika, sculpted in wax. This depiction captures her dynamic energy, with multiple arms holding symbolic weapons and her foot resting on a vanquished demon.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f0cab7e0-3bb2-4a3b-a101-27083f6f8f47)
- ![This wax model shows Mariamman, the South Indian mother goddess of rain and fertility. Her form is sculpted with traditional iconography, including the damaru (drum) and trident.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2e816405-bdd7-45df-8a5e-9175d719c706)
- ![A wax model of the fierce goddess Pratyangira. This complex form, with a lion's face and a human body, is a powerful protector, and her energy is first captured in this initial wax sculpture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/39cc1bb6-fd05-496e-b78d-6c5264ac2459)
- ![The wax model of Goddess Saraswati, the patron of knowledge, music, and the arts. She is shown in a dynamic pose, playing the veena, with her swan vahana (vehicle) at her feet.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/db43fe4e-a58f-4d92-94a9-6d8cb3ac93ca)
- ![A wax model of the five-faced goddess Gayatri, a personification of the sacred Vedic hymn. Each face represents one of the five pranas, or life forces, a concept we translate into sculptural form.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b5b54c84-108a-46cc-b380-83171638fb34)
- ![The wax model of Goddess Durga seated on her lion mount. This classic representation of the divine feminine power shows her ready for battle, with all her weapons sculpted in detail.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/303899c5-0b1a-400a-8624-c343a421876c)
- ![A work-in-progress wax model of Goddess Kamakshi. Even in this unfinished state, her serene expression and the symbolic sugarcane bow and parrot are beginning to take shape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4af5c475-8f0a-4af8-ae58-df5b58831566)
- ![The wax model for a standing, multi-armed sculpture of Durgai Amman (Goddess Durga). The wax allows us to create a strong and stable form that conveys her immense power and grace.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/50ca4613-b281-4d79-8c69-df9d1e5c9a58)
- ![The wax model of Goddess Bhuvaneswari, one of the ten Mahavidyas or great wisdom goddesses. Her standing form is sculpted with a gentle smile and hands holding the goad and noose.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a1655903-0ef9-4ff2-8a19-ede4a2f1a9b6)
- ![Another angle of the Bhuvaneswari wax model, showing the full figure and the careful attention to her divine posture and traditional attire.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0f85af7d-b30c-449f-a74f-98148bbc929f)
- ![A close-up view of the Bhuvaneswari wax model, highlighting the details of her crown and facial expression before the sculpture is prepared for casting.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9d145d93-bd05-41b8-bffe-10b886fb008e)
- ![This is the wax model of a Muni, or sage, depicted in a seated, meditative posture. Our work also includes figures of great spiritual teachers and devotees from our tradition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8e2d04e8-4673-42e2-9940-87aa9ba5ddc8)

## About The Art of the Wax Model

The wax stage is where we pour our entire focus, as this model serves as the literal foundation for the final bronze. We hand-mix a specific blend of bee’s wax, resin, and oil to create a medium that holds the delicate detail of a deity’s jewelry and facial expression. Because this wax is melted away during the lost-wax casting process, we cannot fix errors later; the precision you see in these images is exactly what we carry into the metal.

In the ancient Chola tradition of *Madhuchehishthavidhanam*, the wax model is the most critical step. We do not use mass production molds. Each figure, from the ten-armed Heramba Ganapati to the Ranganathar set, is sculpted entirely by hand.

Once the wax is perfected, we encase it in clay layers to create the mold. This is then heated, allowing the wax to drain out—creating the empty cavity that will soon be filled with molten bronze or Panchaloha. If the wax modeling lacks depth, the metal casting will inevitably lack character.

### Why the Wax Stage Matters
* **Detail Integrity:** Fine details like fingers, floral patterns, and jewelry require the malleability of our specific wax-resin blend.
* **Proportion Control:** We use this stage to ensure the iconometry adheres to traditional standards, as once the bronze is cast, the posture and mudras cannot be altered.
* **Customization:** For our clients, this stage is the point of collaboration. We can adjust the posture of a deity or the specific iconography of a piece before the irreversible casting step begins.

If you are interested in this art form, our workshops in Bangalore and Kumbakonam cover the full lifecycle, starting right here with wax modeling. Whether you are ordering a custom icon or learning to sculpt, this is where the transformation from material to divine energy begins.

## About Divine Arts and Sculptures

We are a family of artisans from Swamimalai, the heartland of Chola bronze casting. For us, this is not a business, but a spiritual calling passed down through generations. We invite you to witness the start of this ancient journey, where we turn simple wax into sacred forms.

[See all of Divine Arts and Sculptures's services](https://mytribe.in/bronze_handicrafts)

## More from Bronze Casting Workshops (Lost-Wax Technique) by Divine Arts and Sculptures

- [Featured](https://mytribe.in/bronze_handicrafts/bronze-casting-workshops-lost-wax-technique/featured)
- [From Wax to Bronze: Works in Progress](https://mytribe.in/bronze_handicrafts/bronze-casting-workshops-lost-wax-technique/from-wax-to-bronze-works-in-progress)
- [Finished Masterpieces in Panchaloha](https://mytribe.in/bronze_handicrafts/bronze-casting-workshops-lost-wax-technique/finished-masterpieces-in-panchaloha)

## More services by Divine Arts and Sculptures

- [Custom Panchaloha & Bronze Sculptures](https://mytribe.in/bronze_handicrafts/custom-panchaloha-bronze-sculptures)

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## Book

To book Divine Arts and Sculptures, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Namaste.%20I%20am%20interested%20in%20your%20wax%20modeling%20workshops%20and%20would%20like%20to%20know%20the%20next%20available%20dates.)