“Hulu,” an exemplary cast stainless steel sculpture by the renowned Chinese artist Huang Yulong, beautifully captures the essence of harmony and connection. Crafted from high-quality 316L stainless steel and meticulously polished to achieve a mirror finish, the sculpture depicts an adult seated cross-legged, with a child riding on their neck and their fingers delicately intertwined.
The intricate process of casting stainless steel sculptures involves melting the stainless steel through the traditional lost-wax casting method. This molten metal is carefully poured into molds, progressing through various stages such as clay molds, silicone molds, and sand molds. The result is a sculpture with a specific shape and structure after it cools and solidifies. To achieve the desired form, the sculpture is cast in multiple sections, which are subsequently assembled and welded together according to the model.
The final and, arguably, the most challenging step lies in surface treatment. Cast stainless steel sculptures typically boast intricate surface details, requiring a patient and meticulous approach to the polishing and finishing process. Thanks to its robust material and outstanding corrosion resistance, cast stainless steel sculptures find widespread application in public art installations, urban sculptures, and landscape design. Their durability makes them particularly well-suited for long-term preservation in outdoor environments, where they can continue to enrich and enhance public spaces.
