kigata imono 木型鋳物

A method of metal casting using a wooden model. The wooden model was called kigata 木型. The kigata was carved first, and over this a clay mould (sometimes called *megata 雌型) was made, which was then used for casting. Recent research suggests that the kigata imono method was used in the production of all gilt bronze images during and after the Late Heian period.