Indian Casting Mold with Lotus Motif

Flat disc with rows of round dimples, like a very orderly cookie press.

This bronze casting mold with lotus motif is from India, and dates to the early 20th century. Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin, and it has been used for tools, sculpture and casting forms in South Asia for thousands of years. Circular slab with a recessed center of fine radiating lines, ringed by two circles of deep, round hollows. The surface is a pale golden gray, slightly rough, with a soft dull sheen. It is 0.25 inches high and 1.25 in diameter.

Pattern-making, done with great patience and a firm hand.