“Lost-wax” casting is the most ancient method of casting and the interest that surrounds it concerns its remote origins several millenniums ago.
The earliest traces of this procedure that was destined to spread all over the world date back to 4000 BC when it was first used by the Chinese and Indians, before appearing in the Mediterranean area at the time of the ancient pre-Hellenic civilizations.
Of extreme interest are the archaeological findings in China dating back to the Shang dynasty (1726-1122 BC), and the discovery in India of a copper statue of Siva the god of dancing, produced some time around the ninth or eighth century BC.

"The Bronzes of Riace"

The “Lost-wax” art foundry most certainly reached the peak of its fame during the period of the Magna Graecia. Expressive testimonies to this are found in precious works from that period, including the renowned “Bronzes of Riace” produced around the year 600 BC, restored in Florence and now on display in the National Museum of Reggio Calabria.

"Perseus by Benvenuto Cellini"