To provide a holding furnace particularly for a die-casting apparatus, which enables to get rid of or decrease the generation of oxide and articles containing gas in casting, the diminution in purity of casting and the deterioration in mechanical characteristics.

The holding furnace (10) has a heatable bucket (12) which is able to accommodate melted materials. The bucket is equipped with an openable reverse cup shaped lid (14). The lid is equipped with at least one open mouth 15 to lead the protection gas of a higher relative density than air. The lid generates the atmosphere to protect melted material from the air contact from the accommodation means of the bucket to the free area.