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Dhokra (also spelt Dokra) is non–ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique. This sort of metal casting has been used in India for over 4,000 years and is still used. One of the earliest known lost wax artefacts is the dancing girl of Mohenjo-daro.
The product of dhokra artisans are in great demand in domestic and foreign markets because of primitive simplicity, enchanting folk motifs and forceful form. Dhokra horses, elephants, peacocks, owls, religious images, measuring bowls, and lamp caskets etc., are highly appreciated. The lost wax technique for casting of copper based alloys has also been found in China, Egypt, Malaysia, Nigeria, Central America, and other places.
The process– There are two main processes of lost wax casting: solid casting and hollow casting. While the former is predominant in the south of India the latter is more common in Central and Eastern India. Solid casting does not use a clay core but instead a solid piece of wax to create the mould; hollow casting is the more traditional method and uses the clay core.
The Jewellery Craft is made by different communities in India like the Situlias, Ghantaras, Thataries, Ghasis, Bathudis and other professional workers. Damar tribes are the traditional metal-smiths of West Bengal. Their technique of lost-wax casting is named after their tribe, hence Dhokra metal casting.
The tribe extends from Jharkhand to West Bengal and Odisha; members are distant cousins of the Indian State of Chhattisgarh Dhokras.
Pattachitra, since the beginning of time, before paper was invented, people used to write and draw on palm leaves with stylus made of twigs sharpened with rocks to give the effect of a fine tip pen. Interestingly, all the Hindu holy books, like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the Vedas and the Upanishads, and also other mythology stories were all written on palm leaves.
Historically, Pattachitra came into existence in order to depict Lord Jagannath’s tales. Krishna’s leelas have been an important motif for the paintings as well. Thus, the main themes of Pattachitra revolve around religious narratives, mythological stories and folktales.
Continue Reading…This Pattachitra Printed envelopes are handmade by the artisans of Odisha has a beautiful, colourful and intricately detailed pictures of different tales of Lord Jagannatha, Maa Lakshmi, Shri Krishna, Shri Rama, Shiva and all Hindu gods and goddesses. The Prints are done using screen printing on handmade paper envelopes with a border made of cane to give a delicate look. Normally used as a Shagun Envelope/ Lifafa for weddings, birthdays, baby showers and many other occasions. These envelopes are also used as wall décor as well.
Tala Pattachitra or ‘palm leaf etching’ is rooted in the Indian state of Odisha, reflecting its rich culture. This art thrives amongst the artisans of Raghurajpur art and crafts cluster near Puri and some other smaller pockets of Bhubaneswar and is one of the most ancient crafts in the world. The art originated when written communication began. The unripe leaves of the palm tree are semi-dried and then stitched together. The etching is then done using an iron pen. Then a paste made of bean leaves, charcoal made of burnt coconut shells, til oil, and turmeric is rubbed on the etching.
These etchings mostly deal with Hindu Dharma. Normally the Tala Pattachitra are painted using rich colours made from vegetable, earth, and natural sources – yellow from haritala stone, black is made out of lampblack and red from shingle stone. White is prepared from powdered, boiled, and filtered conch shells. The themes of the Pattachitras includes the tales of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Krishna Leela and Lord Jagannath are the main motifs painted. These stunning pieces created through this craft will surely adorn your spaces with the rich Indian culture.