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Figure 28

Diagram depicting a version of the direct wax-slab process:

1) the main shape of the griffin head casting model is formed of wax slabs that are cut into their proper shapes; the raised shapes of the upper and lower eyelids are formed by pressing the slabs out, producing recesses on the reverse;

2) the wax elements are joined with a heated tool to form a hollow head;

3) the hollow wax griffin head is filled with a refractory clay core material; the eye cavities are cut out and ledges formed on the interior to support inlays that will later fill the voids;

4) details are added to the wax; these include incised lines around the eyes and a scaly pattern formed with punches; the solid wax tongue, ears, and top knob are joined to the head;

5) the sprue system is joined to the model;

6) the wax model is invested in a refractory mold that is heated until dry and all traces of wax are burned out; the openings in the eyes and the neck act as core extensions (see I.1§3.2), preserving the space between the core and the outer mold;

7) the mold is filled with molten bronze;

8) when cool, the cast is broken out of the mold, and the sprue system is removed;

9) the bronze is then chased and in this example the eyes inlaid. Diagram based on .