Terengganu used to be known as the capital of the traditional brassware industry in Malaysia, with the majority of highly skilled artisans residing in Kampung Ladang (circa 1980s). Today, there are less than five active workshops left, largely making household items and souvenirs that are adorned with traditional motifs. For this collection, we decided focus on the materials and techniques instead, upcycling used brass to make some of our accessories using the traditional 'lost wax' technique.
The main technique used in the making of thebrassware in our collection was the traditional“lost wax” technique.
Creating the master pattern
A master pattern is created using wood or plaster. It serves as a replica of the final design that will later be cast in brass.
Creating the pattern mould
Plaster is mixed with water and poured to form the lower section of the mould. The master pattern is partially submerged and left to harden. A second layer of plaster is then poured to form the upper section. Before fully hardening, the sections are separated to remove the master pattern, and a channel is added for molten wax.
Producing the patterns with wax
Molten wax is poured into the mould's channel, filling the cavity left by the master pattern. Once hardened, the mould is opened, and the wax pattern is removed. This process is repeated until the required number of wax patterns is made.
Assembling the wax pattern onto a 'pokok' (tree)
The wax patterns are assembled onto a metal stick, known as a pokok, since the final structure resembles a tree.
Inserting the 'pokok' into a block mould
The pokok is placed into a metal cylinder or box called a block mould, which is then filled with a mixture of plaster and coarse sand.
Melting the wax patterns (Lost-wax)
Once dried, the block mould is placed in a furnace at 1200°C for 45 minutes. The wax melts away, leaving cavities that will later be filled with molten brass.
Smelting
Brass ingots (often upcycled) are placed in a crucible and melted in a furnace at 900°C–1100°C. This process can take up to 15 hours.
Casting
Molten brass is carefully poured into the block mould, filling the cavities left by the wax patterns.
Removing plaster from the block mould
The block mould is left to cool, allowing the brass to solidify. Once hardened, the mould is shaken to remove the dry plaster, revealing the casted brass.
Finishings
The finishing process includes lathing (to refine the shape), sanding, and polishing to achieve a smooth, shiny brass surface.