THE CRAFT OF
Dokra
Ancient traditions. Timeless forms.
Born from centuries-old craftsmanship, Dokra is a celebration of India's lost-wax metal casting tradition. Each sculptural form carries the mark of the artisan's hand, preserving stories, symbols and a living cultural legacy in enduring brass.
ABOUT THE CRAFT
A 4,000-year-old living tradition
Dokra is a non-ferrous metal craft made using the ancient lost-wax casting technique. Practised for centuries by tribal and artisan communities in Bengal, it is known for its rustic texture, organic forms and powerful storytelling through folk motifs, animals and everyday life.
PLACE & PEOPLE
Bankura & Birbhum, West Bengal.
Dokra is primarily practised in the districts of Bankura and Birbhum, where generations of artisan families have kept this tradition alive.
Charida Village, Purulia Home to Bengal's Chauu Mask artisans
The artisan refining the metal sculpture before the
Final piece.
Finishing & Final
Molten metal being poured during casting.
Casting
The mould preparation stage.
Shaping & Detailing
The artisan shaping the initial clay form.
Clay model
THE MAKING
From clay to metal.
Each Dokra piece is unique, made using a meticulous lost-wax casting process that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Wax detailing
Fine wax details being added by hand.
THE ARTISANS
Generations of skill and pride.
Artisan families of Bankura and Birbhum who continue to keep the Dokra tradition alive, passing down their skills through generations.
EXPLORE OTHER CRAFTS
Discover more crafts from Bengal
Chhau Mask
Patachitra
Terracota
Madurkathi
Solapith