Standard Mount c. 9th century

This ‘Standard Mount’ was created by an anonymous artist using a casting process that remains much the same today as it has been throughout history. As you can see, it is made of metal – probably bronze, given the green patina of oxidation. The vessel would have been made by pouring molten metal into a mold. The mold itself would likely have been made by using a model, perhaps in wax, to create a cavity in sand. The molten metal is then poured in, and once cooled, the sand is broken away to reveal the object. The history of metal casting is inextricably linked to technological advancement and social organization. The techniques involved require not only skill but also a complex division of labor. Mining, smelting, mold making, and finishing – all these steps demand specialized knowledge and cooperative effort. This simple bottle quietly speaks volumes about the history of labor and the ingenuity of craft.