The correct option is Cire-perdu.
Explanation
The "lost-wax" technique is a method of metal casting in which a molten metal is poured into a mould that has been created by means of a wax model. In the context of Indian art, this technique has been utilized since the Bronze Age, with the "Dancing Girl" of Mohenjo-Daro being the earliest known example.
Term Analysis:
- Cire-perdu is correct: Cire-perdue is the French term meaning "lost wax." It technically refers to the process where a wax model is covered with a layer of clay and heated. The wax melts and drains away (is "lost"), leaving a hollow clay mould. Molten metal (usually bronze or copper) is then poured into this cavity to create the final sculpture.
- Terracotta is incorrect: Terracotta refers to baked clay (earthenware), typically brownish-red in color, used for pottery, figurines, and architectural decorations. It does not involve metal casting.
- Pietra dura is incorrect: Pietra dura (Italian for "hard stone") is a decorative inlay technique where highly polished, colored stones are fitted into a stone background to create images or patterns. It is a hallmark of Mughal architecture (e.g., the Taj Mahal).
- Repoussé is incorrect: Repoussé is a metalworking technique in which a malleable metal sheet is shaped or ornamented by hammering from the reverse side to create a design in relief.
Key Takeaway:
Cire-perdue is the technical term for the lost-wax casting method, a foundational technique in Indian metal sculpture traditions ranging from the Indus Valley Civilization to the Chola period bronzes.