Creation of ANRI Figures
On an average it takes about three months to create
an ANRI figure.
The process begins with the purchase of 80 years old maple
trees from plantations in France. Only the best and healthiest
trees are selected and only about 20% of these meet the ANRI
standards. These logs are air dried for up to 3 years and
then cut into blocks which are kiln dried to reduce moisture
to 10%. It is from this stock that the wood is sized for figures
and placed in storage.
Artists create original prototypes from the designs that are
selected to become ANRI figures. From these prototypes special
models are prepared s that each figure can be accurately duplicated.
As this process is taking place blocks of wood are roughly
shaped to meet the requirements of that particular figure
then the special models is worked by hand to duplicate its
form. From that stage the figure is inspected and if approved
goes into the hand fishing sculpture studio where details
are completed.
After each figure goes through a process of sealing the wood
it travels to the hand painting studio. Here the painters
carefully detail each figure with transparent oil paints so
that the wood grain remains visible. After drying each figure
is again inspected and the ANRI seal is applied. Then it goes
to the storage area where it is carefully wrapped in ANRI
logo tissue and put into a box that is properly labeled and
eventually starts its journey to collectors in every corner
of the globe.
