Although used previously to refer to a group of nomadic craftsmen, presently the term ‘Dhokra’ is essentially applied to a wide range of handcrafted decorated brassware products created by the ‘lost wax process of metal casting. Acknowledged as the earliest known method of non-ferrous metal casting known to mankind, this folk art originated in the heartlands of West Bengal almost 3500 years ago and is done by the traditional metalsmiths, ‘The Dhokra Damar Tribes’. Artisans these days create various figurines and models of gods, goddesses, animals, birds, carts, and even jewelry.
The Dokra art uses the ‘lost-wax process’ to form brass models. A replica of the desired product is first made with wax over a clay core and upon which the finer details of designs and decorations are then delicately crafted. Thereafter another layer of soft clay is applied to cover the entire model. After sun drying, molten brass is poured through a small hole which melts away the wax with the molten brass filling up space. Finally, after cooling and with the removal of the outer clay layer, the exquisite work of art emerges and its unpolished look is kept intact. No external chemical polish is applied on the same. Unlike the craft which is available with shiny polish, our collections are rooted in their original look.
Although used previously to refer to a group of nomadic craftsmen, presently the term ‘Dhokra’ is essentially applied to a wide range of handcrafted decorated brassware products created by the ‘lost wax process of metal casting. Acknowledged as the earliest known method of non-ferrous metal casting known to mankind, this folk art originated in the heartlands of West Bengal almost 3500 years ago and is done by the traditional metalsmiths, ‘The Dhokra Damar Tribes’. Artisans these days create various figurines and models of gods, goddesses, animals, birds, carts, and even jewelry.
The Dokra art uses the ‘lost-wax process’ to form brass models. A replica of the desired product is first made with wax over a clay core and upon which the finer details of designs and decorations are then delicately crafted. Thereafter another layer of soft clay is applied to cover the entire model. After sun drying, molten brass is poured through a small hole which melts away the wax with the molten brass filling up space. Finally, after cooling and with the removal of the outer clay layer, the exquisite work of art emerges and its unpolished look is kept intact. No external chemical polish is applied on the same. Unlike the craft which is available with shiny polish, our collections are rooted in their original look.
Material Unpolished Dokra
Dimension 8 x 4 inches (h x w)
LIMITED STOCK
Although used previously to refer to a group of nomadic craftsmen, presently the term ‘Dhokra’ is essentially applied to a wide range of handcrafted decorated brassware products created by the ‘lost wax process of metal casting. Acknowledged as the earliest known method of non-ferrous metal casting known to mankind, this folk art originated in the heartlands of West Bengal almost 3500 years ago and is done by the traditional metalsmiths, ‘The Dhokra Damar Tribes’. Artisans these days create various figurines and models of gods, goddesses, animals, birds, carts, and even jewelry.
The Dokra art uses the ‘lost-wax process’ to form brass models. A replica of the desired product is first made with wax over a clay core and upon which the finer details of designs and decorations are then delicately crafted. Thereafter another layer of soft clay is applied to cover the entire model. After sun drying, molten brass is poured through a small hole which melts away the wax with the molten brass filling up space. Finally, after cooling and with the removal of the outer clay layer, the exquisite work of art emerges and its unpolished look is kept intact. No external chemical polish is applied on the same. Unlike the craft which is available with shiny polish, our collections are rooted in their original look.
Although used previously to refer to a group of nomadic craftsmen, presently the term ‘Dhokra’ is essentially applied to a wide range of handcrafted decorated brassware products created by the ‘lost wax process of metal casting. Acknowledged as the earliest known method of non-ferrous metal casting known to mankind, this folk art originated in the heartlands of West Bengal almost 3500 years ago and is done by the traditional metalsmiths, ‘The Dhokra Damar Tribes’. Artisans these days create various figurines and models of gods, goddesses, animals, birds, carts, and even jewelry.
The Dokra art uses the ‘lost-wax process’ to form brass models. A replica of the desired product is first made with wax over a clay core and upon which the finer details of designs and decorations are then delicately crafted. Thereafter another layer of soft clay is applied to cover the entire model. After sun drying, molten brass is poured through a small hole which melts away the wax with the molten brass filling up space. Finally, after cooling and with the removal of the outer clay layer, the exquisite work of art emerges and its unpolished look is kept intact. No external chemical polish is applied on the same. Unlike the craft which is available with shiny polish, our collections are rooted in their original look.
Although used previously to refer to a group of nomadic craftsmen, presently the term ‘Dhokra’ is essentially applied to a wide range of handcrafted decorated brassware products created by the ‘lost wax process of metal casting. Acknowledged as the earliest known method of non-ferrous metal casting known to mankind, this folk art originated in the heartlands of West Bengal almost 3500 years ago and is done by the traditional metalsmiths, ‘The Dhokra Damar Tribes’. Artisans these days create various figurines and models of gods, goddesses, animals, birds, carts, and even jewelry.
The Dokra art uses the ‘lost-wax process’ to form brass models. A replica of the desired product is first made with wax over a clay core and upon which the finer details of designs and decorations are then delicately crafted. Thereafter another layer of soft clay is applied to cover the entire model. After sun drying, molten brass is poured through a small hole which melts away the wax with the molten brass filling up space. Finally, after cooling and with the removal of the outer clay layer, the exquisite work of art emerges and its unpolished look is kept intact. No external chemical polish is applied on the same. Unlike the craft which is available with shiny polish, our collections are rooted in their original look.
Material Dokra
Dimension (H x L x D) (inches) 6 x 4 x 8
LIMITED STOCK
Although used previously to refer to a group of nomadic craftsmen, presently the term ‘Dhokra’ is essentially applied to a wide range of handcrafted decorated brassware products created by the ‘lost wax process of metal casting. Acknowledged as the earliest known method of non-ferrous metal casting known to mankind, this folk art originated in the heartlands of West Bengal almost 3500 years ago and is done by the traditional metalsmiths, ‘The Dhokra Damar Tribes’. Artisans these days create various figurines and models of gods, goddesses, animals, birds, carts, and even jewelry.
The Dokra art uses the ‘lost-wax process’ to form brass models. A replica of the desired product is first made with wax over a clay core and upon which the finer details of designs and decorations are then delicately crafted. Thereafter another layer of soft clay is applied to cover the entire model. After sun drying, molten brass is poured through a small hole which melts away the wax with the molten brass filling up space. Finally, after cooling and with the removal of the outer clay layer, the exquisite work of art emerges and its unpolished look is kept intact. No external chemical polish is applied on the same. Unlike the craft which is available with shiny polish, our collections are rooted in their original look.
This particular artifact depicts a man pulling a hand rickshaw along with two people sitting on it.
Although used previously to refer to a group of nomadic craftsmen, presently the term ‘Dhokra’ is essentially applied to a wide range of handcrafted decorated brassware products created by the ‘lost wax process of metal casting. Acknowledged as the earliest known method of non-ferrous metal casting known to mankind, this folk art originated in the heartlands of West Bengal almost 3500 years ago and is done by the traditional metalsmiths, ‘The Dhokra Damar Tribes’. Artisans these days create various figurines and models of gods, goddesses, animals, birds, carts, and even jewelry.
The Dokra art uses the ‘lost-wax process’ to form brass models. A replica of the desired product is first made with wax over a clay core and upon which the finer details of designs and decorations are then delicately crafted. Thereafter another layer of soft clay is applied to cover the entire model. After sun drying, molten brass is poured through a small hole which melts away the wax with the molten brass filling up space. Finally, after cooling and with the removal of the outer clay layer, the exquisite work of art emerges and its unpolished look is kept intact. No external chemical polish is applied on the same. Unlike the craft which is available with shiny polish, our collections are rooted in their original look.
This particular figurine depicts the Indian deity Goddess Saraswati’ in her full form and glory.
Although used previously to refer to a group of nomadic craftsmen, presently the term ‘Dhokra’ is essentially applied to a wide range of handcrafted decorated brassware products created by the ‘lost wax process of metal casting. Acknowledged as the earliest known method of non-ferrous metal casting known to mankind, this folk art originated in the heartlands of West Bengal almost 3500 years ago and is done by the traditional metalsmiths, ‘The Dhokra Damar Tribes’. Artisans these days create various figurines and models of gods, goddesses, animals, birds, carts, and even jewelry.
The Dokra art uses the ‘lost-wax process’ to form brass models. A replica of the desired product is first made with wax over a clay core and upon which the finer details of designs and decorations are then delicately crafted. Thereafter another layer of soft clay is applied to cover the entire model. After sun drying, molten brass is poured through a small hole which melts away the wax with the molten brass filling up space. Finally, after cooling and with the removal of the outer clay layer, the exquisite work of art emerges and its unpolished look is kept intact. No external chemical polish is applied on the same. Unlike the craft which is available with shiny polish, our collections are rooted in their original look.
Although used previously to refer to a group of nomadic craftsmen, presently the term ‘Dhokra’ is essentially applied to a wide range of handcrafted decorated brassware products created by the ‘lost wax process of metal casting. Acknowledged as the earliest known method of non-ferrous metal casting known to mankind, this folk art originated in the heartlands of West Bengal almost 3500 years ago and is done by the traditional metalsmiths, ‘The Dhokra Damar Tribes’. Artisans these days create various figurines and models of gods, goddesses, animals, birds, carts, and even jewelry.
The Dokra art uses the ‘lost-wax process’ to form brass models. A replica of the desired product is first made with wax over a clay core and upon which the finer details of designs and decorations are then delicately crafted. Thereafter another layer of soft clay is applied to cover the entire model. After sun drying, molten brass is poured through a small hole which melts away the wax with the molten brass filling up space. Finally, after cooling and with the removal of the outer clay layer, the exquisite work of art emerges and its unpolished look is kept intact. No external chemical polish is applied on the same. Unlike the craft which is available with shiny polish, our collections are rooted in their original look.
Although used previously to refer to a group of nomadic craftsmen, presently the term ‘Dhokra’ is essentially applied to a wide range of handcrafted decorated brassware products created by the ‘lost wax process of metal casting. Acknowledged as the earliest known method of non-ferrous metal casting known to mankind, this folk art originated in the heartlands of West Bengal almost 3500 years ago and is done by the traditional metalsmiths, ‘The Dhokra Damar Tribes’. Artisans these days create various figurines and models of gods, goddesses, animals, birds, carts, and even jewelry.
The Dokra art uses the ‘lost-wax process’ to form brass models. A replica of the desired product is first made with wax over a clay core and upon which the finer details of designs and decorations are then delicately crafted. Thereafter another layer of soft clay is applied to cover the entire model. After sun drying, molten brass is poured through a small hole which melts away the wax with the molten brass filling up space. Finally, after cooling and with the removal of the outer clay layer, the exquisite work of art emerges and its unpolished look is kept intact. No external chemical polish is applied on the same. Unlike the craft which is available with shiny polish, our collections are rooted in their original look.
Although used previously to refer to a group of nomadic craftsmen, presently the term ‘Dhokra’ is essentially applied to a wide range of handcrafted decorated brassware products created by the ‘lost wax process of metal casting. Acknowledged as the earliest known method of non-ferrous metal casting known to mankind, this folk art originated in the heartlands of West Bengal almost 3500 years ago and is done by the traditional metalsmiths, ‘The Dhokra Damar Tribes’. Artisans these days create various figurines and models of gods, goddesses, animals, birds, carts, and even jewelry.
The Dokra art uses the ‘lost-wax process’ to form brass models. A replica of the desired product is first made with wax over a clay core and upon which the finer details of designs and decorations are then delicately crafted. Thereafter another layer of soft clay is applied to cover the entire model. After sun drying, molten brass is poured through a small hole which melts away the wax with the molten brass filling up space. Finally, after cooling and with the removal of the outer clay layer, the exquisite work of art emerges and its unpolished look is kept intact. No external chemical polish is applied on the same. Unlike the craft which is available with shiny polish, our collections are rooted in their original look.
This figurine showcases an Ek-Chala Standing Durga Idol.
Dimension (length x breadth 3 x 3 inches
Material Clay and painted with Shellac
(Limited Stock)
Shellac dolls, colloquially known as ‘Gaalar Putul’ used to be a very popular and unique craft of Bengal’s Purba Midnapore District for decades. Brightly coloured and beautifully textured, these miniature dolls come in various forms of deities, animals, and humans. They are entirely handmade and are eco-friendly as well. Sadly, with the passage of time, the industrial mass production of dolls have pushed this exquisite art to the brink of oblivion. However, few passionate artists still exist and Brindaban Chanda, a sixty-two-year-old man is one of the very few artisans in Bengal who has still kept this age-old tradition alive, until this day!
These dolls are made of clay obtained from termites’ nests. It is then soaked in water and left to ferment for three days straight after which the residual twigs, pebbles, and gravels are separated out. The clay is then shaped into beautiful dolls and sun-dried and baked in mud kilns to turn them firm and solid.
What makes these dolls so unique is the rather interesting process thereafter. Held with a pair of tongs over red hot coal, an array of colourful ‘Lac’ is
applied all over the dolls. With nimble hands and crafty skills, the artisans then create magnificent body designs and patterns on the dolls with the thread of the lac. Cooled for 10-15 minutes and the dolls are finally ready.
This traditional art form of Bengal deserves all the praise, applause and help not merely because the products are so unique and beautifully handcrafted, but to appreciate the passion and the age-old bond that men and women have with mother nature!
Please Note: The products are all handcrafted and hence, there may be slight variations in colour and shape of the actual product against the one shown on the website.