Dhokra Curio- Jaali Box
2250.00
Dhokra Curio- Pigeon
820.00

Dhokra Curio- Parrot
820.00
Dhokra Curio- Peacock
820.00

Dhokra Curio- Fish
820.00
Dhokra Curio- Frog
820.00

Dhokra Curio- Horse
1320.00
Dhokra Curio-Net Peacock
1320.00

Dhokra Tortoise Candle Stand
1280.00
Dhokra Leaf Candle Stand
1080.00

Dhokra Shirt Hanger
1250.00
Dhokra Curio- Lady
1250.00

Dhokra Bottle Opener
1250.00
Dhokra Sankha Hanger
1250.00

Dhokra Fish Hanger
1250.00
Dhokra Shirt Hanger
1850.00

Dhokra Door Handle
1620.00
Dhokra Door Handle
980.00

Dhokra Door Handle
990.00
Dhokra Door Handle
1600.00

Dhokra Lion Napkin Holder
990.00
Dhokra Curio-Plate Tortoise
1040.00

Dhokra Curio-Sun Mask
1250.00
Dhokra Curio-Moon Mask
950.00

Dhokra Deer Ash Tray
1250.00
Dhokra Bull Towel Hanger
1850.00

Dhokra Multipurpose Stand
1550.00
Dhokra Multipurpose Jali Pen Stand
1190.00

Dhokra Multipurpose Eye Pen Stand
1190.00
Dhokra Multipurpose Stand
1950.00

Dhokra Curio-Hand Bell
850.00
Dhokra Craft Curio - Pot
1799.00

Dhokra Craft Curio - Bull
799.00
Dhokra Craft Curio - Deer
799.00

Dhokra Craft Curio - Tortoise
999.00

About Craft

Odisha is best known for its Dhokra metal casting craft items, which is an age old traditional practice of rural craftsman. Mainly people of an aboriginal caste called Sithulias practice this craft. But in Dhenkanal district of Odisha it is also practised by other tribes like Ghaniaram, Thatarian and Gharien. The metal used for this casting is brass followed by lost wax method. This special unique craft is largely set in Kuliana in the Mayurbhanj district, Kaimati in Keonjhar district, Haradagaria in Puri district and Sadeibarni in Dhenkanal district. Most of the people of aboriginal caste of this region are completely dependent on this craft for their livelihood.

Dhokra is an alloy of nickel, brass and zinc. When these three are mixed in the appropriate proportion it gives an antique look. The motifs that are mostly used for Dhokra are inspired by folk culture. Traditional dhokra artisans usually cast the figures of gods and goddesses, lamps, boxes, ornaments and other ritual objects that are used for household needs, which used to be sold mainly in local weekly market. But in the contemporary world artisans who are still practicing this particular craft also makes other utility items like door knob, ash-tray, pen holder, photo frame, candle, door handle and incense stick stand etc.

As Dhokra metal casting is a lengthy, difficult and time consuming process, so many tools and raw materials are used for it . Such as; Brass, Bee-Wax, Clay, Bees-Wax Threads, Coal, Furnace, Hammer, Graphite Container, Chisels, Water, Mud etc.

To begin with, a clay mixture of mud, water and cow dung of appropriate ratio is kneaded thoroughly. This mixture of clay is used for making a core model. A pure form of clay is applied as a layer upon this model for smooth finishing. Then it is left to dry completely. Once it get dried, lengthy wax threads are completely wrapped with it to form a layer and to obtain the particular drawing. Again a layer of clay with sand is applied on it. Two channels like holes are made on it and allowed to dry. In these two channels, one channel is made to pour the molten metal and the other channel is used for releasing the air out. The model is thoroughly baked in furnace and through a channel molten metal is poured into it. This molten metal is initially obtained by melting the metal crucibles in a graphite container. The molten metal poured into the clay mold acquires the shape and pattern of the wax model in fine details. This metal further gets hardened between the layers of upper and inner surfaces of the clay mould. Thus it is dipped in water to cool down the temperature of the metal. Once it is cooled, the metal artifact is thoroughly cleaned from both inside and outside by slightly hammering and brushing the burnt mold. It is further polished all around for finishing look.