American vs Import

One of the questions I receive is why the bronze art of the Asian countries looks different. And why is it so much less? The answer is: the metal, the art, and the artist.

Consider this the quality of the bronze metal. Here in the great USA we have a minimum standard for the bronze that we cast of at least 90% copper. In very high end bronze pieces 98% copper.
So let's explore why this semi-precious metal is so important to bronze sculptures.

Most important, is the copper content in bronze this is the property that gives the sculpture the resistance to corrosion. This is most important if the sculpture is outdoors. Over time a bronze sculpture with low copper content (55% in imported sculptures) the metal develops a white flaky material on the surface. Some will also develop rust spots with is an indication of iron compounds in the metal.

Any bronze sculpture with a low copper content does not accept a quality patina (in its raw state, bronze is gold in color. 55% imported bronze is silver in color. When the sculpture is cast and assembled, the artist applying the chemicals that react with the copper in the bronze it literally changes the surface color of the bronze. Different chemicals result in different colors. The most common patina is with liver of sulfur that results in a brown patina.) The sculptures found of high quality the patination process is done by hand by skilled artists that have years of experience with chemicals and how they react best to the metal. To achieve the best effect for the piece. In the sculpture that has the low copper the piece of art is dipped into a patina solution. Resulting in a uniform, lifeless color. This type of patination will fade and come off over time.

A point to ponder are these people being paid slave wages is the workplace safe? The bronze foundry is an industrial environment with extremely heavy machinery and molten bronze.

When purchasing a bronze original sculpture from any artist the process is expensive. Its an original piece. It must be sculpted, molded, chased, bronzed and based. Reproductions have previously met all these processes. Remember an original is that an original.

Asian sculpture is purchased and enjoyed all the time they are affordable. Proceed with caution. Consider your design and your budget.  Sculpture a legacy to the future