121/189 Works of art were cast in one or several pieces according to circumstances; the parts were then united, soldered, and retouched with the burin. The method most frequently employed was to prepare a core of mixed clay and charcoal, or sand, which roughly reproduced the modelling of the mould into which it was introduced. The layer of metal between this core and the mould was often so thin that it would have yielded to any moderate pressure, had they not taken the precaution to consolidate it by having the core for a support. 276 .-- Bronze jug.] [Illustration: Fig. 277 .-- Same jug seen from above.] Domestic utensils and small household instruments were mostly made in bronze. |