Dhokra is an ancient folk art tradition prevalent in India in Eastern States of West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand and Chattisgarh. Dhokra art and craft objects are made through the process of non-ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique, and you will amaze to know that this is one of the most earliest and advanced method of metal casting. Dhokra art is not a modern art culture its roots belong to back 4500 years to the ancient city of Mohenjodaro in the Indus Valley Civilization. Which proves that it is a pure antique in itself and keeping it in your home will automatically state the taste of your choice.
If we talk about the name “Dhokra” it simply indicate a group of craftsmen of nomadic type from the Dhokra Damar Tribe and it is not limited to any one particular region, scattered over different regions like bengal, odhisa, and Madhya Pradesh. Whenever your are buying anything Antique or which is not so common always check the hallmark and in Dhokra the main hallmark of Dhokra ornamental sculptures and goods is simplicity, charming folk motifsy it’s beauty and simplicity of design and patterns. The making technique of Dhokra is very beautiful and pure in itself which gives it a touch of simplicity and being cultural. The sculptor who have the whole power in their hand to create this beauty, they first make a core of model of clay from fine riverside soil then mixed it with coal, dust and rice husks after mixing it properly this mixture automatically takes its texture and shape of later applications of wax which gives it a perfect inner wall of the mold. After it dried, it is decorated with string of wax to create fine detailing and pattern.
The most surprising thing in this whole making is that the artisans who have this magic in their hand to make such beautiful art, they use a mixture of bee’s wax, resins from the tree ‘Damara Orientallis’ and nut oil to make dough soft and handable. After that there are several more process like application of small amounts of fine clay paste over the wax replica which is then dried out in the shade. Then few more application of layer of different mixtures and last they keep the piece in sun to get it dry and then fried it in ‘Bhatti’ that in kiln of fire by which wax melts and exits the mould. The final stage is pouring molten brass through the same holes. The most interesting fact about folk art is it indicates the reality and gives you a glimpse of real world that how a men and women in their daily chores. Apart from that, all different types of animals like elephant. It is not limited to any one particular design or size infact it is beyond of every imagination you can have all the different varieties like dancers, horse, temple design, peacocks, religious image which are very demanding. The Antique Folk Art Dhokra is so pleasing that you can’t move your eyes from any design or any piece.
They are not designed as a whole piece infact artist design each and every detail of the object that attracts the attention. For example if your are opting for Nandi Bull satue of Brass and Bronze Dhokra Sculpture you can see even the minute details very clearly and it will definitely give you a feel of how a real Nandi Bull can look like. Detail Structure and pure design is the speciality of Dhokra Art. When you keep it on your home, it will surely change the whole look of your place and when your guest visit your home, these piece will surely became the centre of attraction. It is not only famous in India but also across the world, people have high demand of dhokra design beacuse of it’s beauty. The product of Dhokra are in great demand in domestic as well as foreign markets beacuse of primitive simplicity. It is highly appreciated in each and every form weather Dhokra horses , elephants, peacock, owl, religious images measuring bowls etc.
There are so many people who want to know about the making of Dhokra Craft. In short it has two main process of lost wax casting those are (a) Solid Casting (b) Hollow Casting. Former one are famous in South part of India whereas latter one is more Famous in Central and Eastern India. • In Solid Casting they don’t use clay core in place of clay a solid piece of wax is used ti create the mould. • In Hollow Casting they uses the clay core and it is the more traditional method. Dhokra Designs include the name plate pattern, candle stand bell, hand-painted key holder etc which shows you it’s unique style and design and these are customised products on which you can order your name written on that with handwritten fonts.
These unique products and pieces are not only good idea to keep it in your home but also a good option for gift purpose on any occasion: birthday, marriage, good luck token and for best wishes. No one can ignore the beauty of Dhokra Art because it is evergreen thing to buy or to give. It can never be out of fashion or out of trend. One of the earliest known lost wax artefacts is the dancing girl of Mohenjodaro which is highly demanding across the world.