Brass Dhokra Work Horse Figure From Orissa - 1950

This stunning Indian horse figure has been created using the 'lost wax technique'. A unique piece with a lot of character from the mid 20th century. The casting is made using the traditional Dhokra technique. Dokra Damar tribes are the traditional metalsmiths of West Bengal. Their technique of lost wax casting is named after their tribe. The tribe can be found across India extending from Bihar to West Bengal and Orissa. 

Dokra - also spelt Dhokra, is a brass or bronze casting made using the lost wax technique. The process is commonly known as cire perdue. The object to be cast is sculpted from beeswax mixed with a little oil. When finished the entire figure is coated with clay made from termite hills to create the mould. The mould is then dried and fired in an oven with cow-dung cakes. The wax melts leaving an empty clay mould in the shape to be cast. The mould is then heated and molten brass or bronze is poured into the empty clay-mould. When cool the clay mould is broken off exposing the cast bronze figure. The casting is then cleaned and finer details are carved to finish the piece.

Condition Report:
This figure has suffered some damage to the rear visible in photos - This is reflected in the price.

From India

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