What a commissioned bronze costs, and why

A commission is priced on four things: the height, the alloy, the amount of detail and the number of hours of finishing. Height matters most, because the weight of metal and the size of the mould rise much faster than the inches. A 12 inch Nataraja weighs about 4 kg; at 18 inches it is close to 10 kg, and at 30 inches it can pass 35 kg.

As a rough guide, a 9 inch bronze deity starts near ₹38,000, an 18 inch Nataraja in panchaloha near ₹1,48,000, and a 30 inch temple piece from ₹4,50,000. Panchaloha costs about a third more than bronze of the same size. Brass costs roughly half as much as bronze, which is why large hall statues are usually brass.

Detail adds time. A plain standing Vishnu is quicker to model and chase than a Nataraja, whose ring of flames, flying hair and raised leg each need days of work. A Kalinga Krishna or a Somaskanda group with three figures on one base costs more than three single pieces, because the casting is more difficult and a failed pour wastes all of it.

We ask for 40 percent when you approve the wax model, and the balance before the crate leaves the foundry. Crating and insured shipping within India is usually ₹2,500 to ₹9,000, depending on weight. The full estimate, in writing, comes before we begin.