The production process of Marble Sculpting is very rigorous. Simply put, it is made by repeatedly forging and hammering the copper, which is soft and ductile.
(1) First, the copper plate must be forged. It should be noted that it must be burned thoroughly and evenly in one go, preferably slightly red. If it is not burned thoroughly or evenly, it will make the next step difficult and will not be conducive to the basic shape. However, since copper is soft and easily melted, it cannot be burned in the same place for a long time.
(2) Drafting. After the copper plate cools naturally, copy the drawing onto the copper plate, and then knock along the line with a flat-headed scissors. Be careful not to use too much force, otherwise it will be easy to break when forging later. The depth of the line should be such that the mark can be clearly seen from the back.
(3) Drafting. This step is mainly to show the large shape, height and front and back relationship. First, use a large wooden tongs to beat from the copper edge to the line (i.e. the shape) from the front. This is to make the edge of the line thicker so that it reaches the ideal height and is not easy to break. Then, from the back, knock out the height of the shape inside the line. After one time, it needs to be forged to soften it again. Repeat the forging and firing until the general outline and undulation relationship are shown. During this period, the shape should be used from time to time to prevent the entire shape from being deformed.
(4) Refine the shape and depict it in depth. First, the general undulations on the shape should be knocked out with a small wooden tongs, and then knocked with an iron tongs. But don't rush it. It takes several times to complete. It can't be completed in one time.
(5) Glue filling and perfect details. This is the finishing touch, which requires great patience and skills. The key to the success or failure of a work lies in the details. First, boil the copper plate into a porridge-like state, pour it on the concave part of the back of the copper plate, and press it flat. After natural cooling and hardening, the details are carved out.
(6) Coloring and mounting. Melt the solid pigment in hot water, the water temperature is generally between 70 and 80 degrees Celsius. Then wash the Marble Sculpting with dilute sulfuric acid, rinse with clean water and rub it on the copper plate until it turns black. Rinse with clean water and dry. Then use a wet cloth to wrap fine sand and polish the protruding parts on the front and the parts that need to be highlighted. Dry and then mount. A handicraft is born.
