I am sure you have often heard of this art form known as Dokra craft or Dhokra art. But do you know what it is? Have you any idea where Dokra craft is manufactured? Do you know the story of its genesis?
What Is It?
Dokra craft is a kind of metallurgical art form based on the lost wax technique that is used during the metal casting. Of course, like myriad other art forms from India - one of the prime seats of culture, Dokra is also a type of Indian handicraft that belongs to the genre of brassware handicrafts.
Why Is This Craft So Popular?
There are millions of contemporary sculptors who give other techniques a miss, preferring Dokra over other more fancied stuff. Industrial manufacturing units and the field of dentistry have been using the lost wax technique of Dokra craft for the past 100 years. And since it is generally scrap metal that is commonly used by Dokra craftsmen, Dokra craft or Dhokra art is regarded as eco friendly.
Artisans nowadays, at the behest of cultural and external affairs and handicrafts ministries of India, are trying to incorporate more modern designs into Dokra craft/Dhokra art. Therefore it is no wonder that this incredibly beautiful and individualistic art form is now increasingly traveling across the shores and hitting the global markets of Europe and America, where it has found big favor with the international clients.
People in Milan have been bowled over by the intricacy of patterns and peerless craftsmanship for which Dokra craft is famed.
A few words on the Dhokra/Dokra craftsmen and artisans
Although Dokra is primarily referred to as the art of Bengal, there are thriving centers of Dokra manufacturing units in parts of Andhra Pradesh in the south and Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa in central India. You will find the Dhokra craftsmen scattered sporadically across a vast stretch of mineral rich land in the tribal dominated pockets of central India and parts of Bengal in districts like Birbhum, Bankura, Midnapore, Purulia and Burdwan.
The folk cultures of these tribal belts have provided inspiration for Dokra motifs. In places like Raigarh and Bastar districts of Chhattisgarh, bronze, brass and bell metal are used to carve out Dokra craft/Dhokra art. The technique of coiled thread used in Dokra casting is completely unique to Bastar.
If you are interested in discovering more on fascinating Indian Arts and Handicrafts, you must visit http://www.theindianhandicrafts.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nantaram_Orubenga
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