Intricate Work in Dokra Craft

Dokra Craft 

This ancient India art form (Dokra ) is an ideal specimen of craftsmanship of skilled artisans of Bankura District of West Bengal. This intricate, flawless and symmetric net-work, locally known as jaali work, has the same uniformity and quality as expected from machine made products.

(Handmade dokra Coaster 3.5”x 3.5” :below)

This particular set of products are result of various 1 mm wax threads placed carefully together by hand on paper sheets.

After the complete frame of the dried wax product is set, it is covered with mud carefully. It is put in the furnace, and the wax is allowed to evaporate for some hours.    

                                          (Wax model of candle stand: above)

Then the wax is replaced with melted brass and it is allowed to cool. Now the mud is painstakingly and carefully removed ,the product is ready to be polished.

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(wax model of dokra plates to be used as trivets and stands : Above)

(Amazing wax work for brass plate/bowl  in process: below)

Because of the cumbersome processes, products often melt while in the furnace and are deformed due to various reasons. No chemicals are used, all these products are eco-friendly, and scrap brass can be recycled many times without wastage.              

(Jali paisley made in brass, the wax replaced by brass as if made from a uniform wire ;below)

  

These products are result of hard toil and artistic eyes of the artisan as well gradual knowledge passed down through generations. Huge dokra statues are made at various places in India but the intricate jali work which looks like machine made is the speciality of Bankura District. The uniformity of the hand made dokra craft  is worth applauding. Bankura District and South Bengal is full of skilled craftsmanship, all they need is a base to fly, which I believe through utility products like ours, proper  support can reach out all over the world, let alone the nation.

Written and images: Parul Bajoria