Dokra Craft - The Number 1 Choice Among Indian Handicrafts and Brassware

Do you know why, among all the other Indian handicrafts and brassware handicrafts, Dhokra art or Dokra craft is so much in demand? The main USP of this Dhokra metal craft is that no two pieces of Dokra art are alike. Each and every single piece of Dokra craft is unique. You won't believe it but every piece of Dokra craft, even the most ordinary pieces of humble every day use wares are created with a lot of care, love, creativity and highest level of perfection.

Dokra craft has made a secure place for itself both in domestic markets as well as in foreign shores in countries like France, Italy, USA and UK because of its enthralling folk motifs, primeval plainness, artistic sagacity, talent, high skilled craftsmanship of the highest order and intuitive and instinctive sense of creativity and innovation.

Of course, the design aesthetics and patterns of these Dokra metal craft pieces have undergone 4500 years of evolution and perfection - a trait that is easily noticeable and which has caught the attention of discerning art collectors. In fact Dokra craft and Dhokra art objects are highly coveted in the international art market and brassware handicrafts fairs.

Some other reasons why Dokra craft is so coveted by collectors is because of its powerful form, charming folk motifs and primitive simplicity - all of which let you explore and peek a glimpse into the indigenous folk culture of India and particularly Bengal.

Currently, you will find 57 families of Dokra craftsmen scattered in several tribal dominated districts of Bengal such as in Midnapore, Burdwan, Birbhum, Bankura and Purulia where their main source of livelihood is making and selling Dokra art pieces in local fairs and market places.

Here, the artisans use the technique of lost wax or cire perdue in their metal casting to create unique masterpieces of art. In Bengal, these Dokra metal smiths are called Dokra kamars - a term of social contempt, derision, disdain and detestation for kamars or metal smiths belong to the lowest social rank or caste in Bengal.

Dokra craft so far, was dying a slow but steady death due to lack of patronage and government encouragement, but the huge demand for Dokra craft along with other types of brassware handicrafts in foreign shores has resulted in a flourishing, resurgence and resurrection of this ancient art of metal crafting.