ANCIENT BRONZES
In this section you can find all the ancient and modern bronze items available in our catalog.
Why choose Di Mano in Mano
Unique items in
excellent condition
Each item is carefully selected by our experts. Enrico Sala, our antique expert, is certified by Collegio Lombardo.
Restoration and
customization options
Do you have specific needs? Our in-house workshop can restore or adapt any item to suit your taste.
Certificate
of authenticity
Each item comes with a certificate that certifies its origin, period, and features.
Safe packaging
and international shipping
We use professional packaging and ship worldwide, ensuring maximum protection during transport.
Do you have similar items to sell? Contact us!
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History of Bronze
It's obvious and predictable to associate the first use of Bronze with the Bronze Age—what better time than the age named after it?
Initially, Bronze was used for functional purposes, such as hunting weapons or work tools. Later, it shifted toward decorative purposes: the creation of Bronze Statues.
One reason for the beginning of this Bronze Production was the ease of sourcing the raw material: bronze.
It came not only from excavations but also from melting down Earlier Sculptures.
Bronze Working Techniques
One of the most widely used techniques for producing Ancient Bronze Statues is the lost-wax casting technique. There are two ways to create these sculptures: the direct method (Solid Sculpture) and the indirect method (Hollow Sculpture).
The direct method is significantly faster, but it could only be used for small statues, like Animal Figurines, because creating a large solid statue was particularly difficult to handle.
Before proceeding, a wax model is made and covered with clay to create a mold for the final statue.
We then heat this mold and watch the wax flow out through the small tubes made in the clay surface. Into these channels, molten Bronze is poured, filling the inside of the mold. Once cooled, the mold is removed, revealing the Bronze Bust that originated from the wax model. The second technique, the indirect method, is more complex and time-consuming but is the best choice for large-scale works.
In this case, the original model is made in clay and then coated with wax. A subsequent layer of clay also has channels through which the molten wax is removed to make space for the Molten Bronze.
Are these the only two bronze working methods?
The answer is no—there's a third technique that allows for unlimited reproduction of models: sand casting. This method has its flaws, as masterpieces weren’t always produced. The quality of Ancient Bronze Figurines was lower and generally smaller in size compared to the indirect method.
So, what was this method used for?
The third method was used to make Medals or Bas-reliefs.
Bottomless boxes (flasks) were used, sized to the Bronze Objects to be made, and stacked on top of one another. Molds were created by pressing models into clay-based earth, leaving an impression. At this point, Bronze was poured, and once dried, the front of the Bronze Figurines—the visible side—was refined, while the back was left rough, just as it was made. In all these techniques, one step they share is the removal of the Bronze Pouring Channels.
Final step?
Finish and polish the Bronze Objects for the best result.
Ancient Bronze Catalog
Want to decorate your entryway? Not sure how to make it more elegant?
Are you searching for Bronze Statue Prices or Antique Bronze Objects?
Let Di Mano In Mano help—we offer a wide selection of the best Roman Bronze Figurines. What are you waiting for? Add that special touch to your home and buy our Bronze Busts or, why not, explore our antiques!
In our online catalog, you can find all available pieces.
If you'd like to see them in person, just contact us and we’ll arrange an appointment at one of our shops. A seller will help guide you through your selection, drawing on over 20 years of experience at Di Mano in Mano. Antique Bronze Objects—and much more. For over 20 years, our cooperative has worked in the field of Antiques, Modernism, and Design Trading. If you want to sell your Ancient Bronzes or Marble Statues but don’t know how—sell them! Contact us and we’ll get back to you soon with a valuation of your furnishing accessory.
Our catalog features Baroque Style and Renaissance Bronze items.
Contact us for more information!
Bronze Statue Restoration
In addition to our wide selection of Ancient Bronze Statues, we also offer a Restoration Service. Your Bronze Statues or Animal Figurines may be affected by time, which can damage them. At Di Mano in Mano, during your purchase, you'll be assisted not only by an experienced seller but also by a restorer. Thanks to their expertise, you’ll be able to restore your Bronze Object to its original beauty.