Dhokra Lost Wax Casting

 

        Product And Vision

Vision: 

Here I am promoting a local art of Dumka, a tribal city in Jharkhand which is the city of my dear friend and NITIE batch mate Ayush Agarwalla. Which is existing since the Mohanjodaro era. But it has lost its economic values in today's fancy world.

Product: 

Dhokra (also spelled Dokra) is non–ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique. This sort of metal casting has been used in India for over 4,000 years and is still used. One of the earliest known lost wax artifacts is the dancing girl of Mohenjo-Daro.

The name Dhokra is coined after the tribe of Dhokra Damar, who is settled in the central part of India (the regions of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar Orissa, and Chhatisgarh). 

A complete finished product involves thirteen processes. The products are made either in the hollow casting of solid casting. The process includes modeling in beeswax, followed by molding in clay. Once the clay mold dries up, it is de-waxed and the molten metal is poured into the mold. The metal consequently takes the shape of the mold and solidifies it. Upon solidification, the clay mold is broken and the metal product is given a finishing touch of dull gold or black paint. Thin hands, legs, and a slender body are the characteristics of a typical Dhokra figurine. The beauty of Dhokra lies in its imperfection. 

Dhokra craft doesn’t use any advanced technology and the objects are entirely handcrafted. The craftsmen use their intensive imagination and creativity in making each item.

The craft is inspired by the tribal lifestyle, figurines of birds, animals, trees, mythological deities, and more. Utilitarian objects like combs, lamps, bowls, and cups are also made.

Thank You for reading. For more such content keep tracking my blogs at https://h-2002270-vireshwaryadav.blogspot.com/.

Vireshwar Yadav

NITIE Mumbai

Mo. No: 7503565809

Email Id: vireshwar.2002270@nitie.ac.in