Khushi Sharma
Dhokra is a traditional Indian metal casting art form that uses the lost-wax technique. The art is named after the nomadic Dhokra Damar tribe and is practiced in the tribal belts of West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.
Dhokra art is known for its folk motifs, simple yet powerful form, and intricate designs. Some common Dhokra art pieces include horses, elephants, peacocks, owls, religious images, lamp caskets, and measuring bowls.
The lost-wax technique has been used in India for over 4,000 years. The earliest known artifact made using this techniqu hue is the bronze Dancing Girl sculpture from Mohenjo-daro, which is believed to date back to 2300 BCE.
Popularity
The product of dhokra artisans are in great demand in domestic and foreign markets because of primitive simplicity, enchanting folk motifs and forceful form. Dhokra horses, elephants, peacocks, owls, religious images, measuring bowls, and lamp caskets etc., are highly appreciated.
The Process
There are two main processes of lost wax casting: solid casting and hollow casting.
Solid casting does not use a clay core but instead a solid piece of wax to create the mould; hollow casting is the more traditional method and uses the clay core.