The casting method is one in which liquid or molten metal is poured into a mold until it solidifies. One technique is lost-wax casting.

Ancient Chinese Bronze Vessels

The Chinese perfected the casting method in ancient times. During the Shang (1500-1050 BC) and Zhou (1050-256 BC) Dynasties in ancient China, bronze vessels were created, primarily for providing food and beverages to deceased ancestors in ritual ceremonies. 

Below is an image of a four-footed fang ding  which is a ritual vessel that portrays a tao tie, or animal mask. This mythical creature sports symmetrical horns, eyes, nose, and mouth. The tao tie that first appeared on the bronze vessels was quite primitive; however, it became more detailed and prominent as time progressed, as seen here.