What Is Dokra Art? The Ancient Story Behind Brass Figurines

Look closely at a Dokra figurine and you will see fine, wiry lines wrapped in patterns, almost like thread. That is not decoration added later. It is how the piece is made, and the method is thousands of years old.

What is Dokra?

Dokra is a form of metal casting practised by tribal artisans in parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal. It uses the lost-wax technique, where the final metal piece replaces a wax model. The metal is usually brass or a similar alloy.

How a Dokra piece is made

1. The clay core. The artisan shapes a rough core from clay.

2. The wax threads. Thin wax threads are wound around the core by hand to build the design, one line at a time.

3. The clay mould. More layers of clay are applied over the wax and dried.

4. The pour. The mould is heated and the wax melts away. Molten metal is poured into the empty space.

5. The reveal. Once cooled, the mould is broken open. The metal piece inside is cleaned and finished.

Because the mould is broken every time, no two Dokra pieces are exactly alike.

What you will see in the designs

Dokra artisans often make animals, deities, and everyday village life. Nandi the bull, tortoises, elephants and horses are common subjects. The textured, thread-like surface is the signature of the craft.

Styling Dokra at home

Brass looks best with natural materials. Try a figurine on a wooden shelf, next to a plant, or on a desk as a small statement piece. Let it sit in warm light and it will glow.

Bring the craft home

Explore our collections to find pieces made in this tradition.