How are the bronze patterns on ancient vases inlaid?

Borrowing block method and lost wax method.

Block casting method is the earliest and most widely used bronze casting method in Shang and Zhou Dynasties. This method is briefly introduced as follows. Taking the casting container as an example, the model of the object to be cast is made first. The model is also called model or master model in casting technology, and then clay is coated on the outside of the model to remove the mold parts used to form the outline of the casting. In the casting process, it is called the outer mold, and the outer mold must be divided into several pieces before it can be taken out of the mold.

Lost wax method, or lost wax casting method, is a production process in ancient China. In modern times, it is still a way to present the most exquisite details of metal products. Due to the complicated design, this product is usually difficult to manufacture. The lost wax method can make any metal completely and faithfully reproduce the appearance of its wax model. Therefore, this method is still widely used in sculpture, jewelry processing, dentistry and industrial restoration.