The Full Story
Behind the Scenes of Creation
At Kanchana Heritage Art, our creations are not just handmade — they are heart-made. Each stroke of gold leaf, each chisel on seasoned wood, each pour of molten bronze is guided by generations of skill, patience, and reverence. We dedicate months to perfect every detail — so that what you receive isn’t just art, but a legacy sculpted by time.
TANJORE
Using tiny tools and steady hands, our artisans sculpt each detail in relief — from the folds of divine silk garments to the intricate jewellery. The muck work is left to dry naturally over days, preserving its sharpness and strength. What follows is a careful layering of gold, base tones, and finally, vibrant hand-painted colours — revealing a work of art that is both spiritual and timeless.
THE FOUNDATION
Once the base sketch is composed on the wooden board, the intricate muck work begins. A special blend of chalk powder and natural adhesives (traditionally Arabic gum or tamarind seed glue) is prepared by hand. This fine paste is carefully applied over the drawing to create a raised surface — forming elaborate arches, ornaments, crowns, and divine auras.
GOLD
Once the relief work is set, it is gently coated with adhesive and overlaid with genuine gold foil. This delicate gold sheet is pressed over the raised surfaces, catching light and adding unmatched radiance. The gold clings to the elevation, enhancing every sculpted detail and bringing the deities to life with a celestial glow.
FOUNDATION OF RADIANCE
Soft ochres, muted reds, and earthy tones are gently applied over the background, figures, and relief elements. This step ensures that the final pigments adhere smoothly and that the painting radiates warmth and richness from within. It is this careful layering — from raised form to gold, and from muted base to vivid colour — that gives a Tanjore painting its iconic depth, luminosity, and divine character.
THE FINAL TOUCH
Once the base colours are in place and the gold foil is delicately set over the raised muck work, the most intricate and expressive stage begins — the final painting. Using ultra-fine brushes and natural pigments, we begin to hand-paint the figures, expressions, and ornamental details with remarkable precision. The eyes are given life, the garments are layered with traditional motifs, and every jewel is carefully accented to harmonize with the gold.
BRONZE
Bronze — a metal so versatile, so sacred — becomes timeless in the hands of our artisans.
It carries both strength and soul, shaped through fire and intention. From the first wax carving to the final polish, each sculpture is a journey — capturing divine forms with reverence and precision. Heated to over 1000°C and poured with care, the molten bronze flows into age-old moulds, preserving every detail, every gesture. What emerges is more than a sculpture — it is a living embodiment of heritage, handcrafted to inspire and endure for generations.
SKETCHING THE DIVINE
Every sculpture begins with a vision — sometimes rooted in mythology, sometimes born from the desires of those who commission it. We work closely with our clients, understanding their spiritual, aesthetic, or personal inspirations. Whether it's a traditional form or a custom concept, our artists interpret each idea with care — sketching and visualising divine proportions.
THE FIRST FORM
Using warm beeswax, the artisan hand-sculpts the entire figure — from the soft drape of the garments to the intricate features of the deity. This stage demands patience and extraordinary skill. Every curve, every expression is refined here, as this wax model will ultimately shape the final bronze.
THE CLAY CASTING
Once the wax sculpture is perfected, it is carefully encased in multiple layers of fine, natural clay. Each coating is applied with precision and allowed to dry completely before the next step.
HOLLOWING THE CORE
The clay-covered wax model is then fired in a kiln. As the temperature rises, the wax melts and escapes through vents — leaving behind a perfect hollow cavity within the clay. This is the origin of the name: the Lost Wax Method. The form is now ready to be reborn in bronze.
POURING THE BRONZE
At over 1000°C, high-quality bronze alloy is melted until it glows like liquid gold. With steady precision, it is poured into the hollow clay mould. This sacred moment — where metal meets memory — defines the strength and soul of the sculpture.
BREAKING THE MOULD
Once the bronze has cooled and solidified, the clay mould is carefully broken open. Inside rests the bronze form — raw, powerful, and eternal. This unveiling is both dramatic and delicate, revealing the first glimpse of the sculpture in its true material form.
CHISILING & CHASING
The cast sculpture is then hand-finished. Sharp tools are used to refine details, restore edges, and remove imperfections. This step — known as chasing — restores the grace of the original wax, ensuring every line and gesture shines with clarity.
POLISHING & PATINATION
In the final stage, the bronze is polished or patinated to enhance its texture and tone. Whether given a soft golden shine or a rich antique finish, each sculpture is treated as a collector’s treasure — one meant to last for generations, glowing with reverence and grace.
Art You Can Feel.
What you just saw isn’t just art being made — it’s heritage being reborn.
Each stroke of gold foil, each pour of molten bronze carries stories whispered through generations.
Maybe it reminds you of your grandmother’s prayer room… or the temple your family visited every summer.
At Kanchana Heritage Art, we don’t just create decor.
We create legacy — pieces to be treasured, gifted, and passed on.
Bring a piece of timeless India into your home.
Something sacred. Something personal. Something that lasts forever.