The Soul of Metal: Exploring the Ancient Art of Dhokra

At Marble Lotus, we’re constantly inspired by South Asia’s rich design legacy—and few art forms capture that legacy quite like Dhokra.

The art of Dhokra is one of the oldest known forms of metal casting in the world. It uses a method called lost-wax casting, which dates back over 4,000 years. The famous ‘Dancing Girl’ sculpture from Mohenjo-Daro—a symbol of artistic excellence in the Indus Valley Civilization—was made using this very technique. What’s astonishing is that this same process is still alive today, passed down through generations of artisan communities in India’s Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal regions. The continuity of this craft is a testament to its deep-rooted significance and enduring beauty.

Each Dhokra piece is made entirely by hand—no moulds, no factories, no shortcuts. This slow, deliberate method ensures that every sculpture, every surface texture, and every intricate detail is completely one-of-a-kind. From abstract tribal figures to mythological motifs and everyday scenes, Dhokra art is a living archive of South Asian culture. These creations embody stories of devotion, celebration, nature, and ancestral wisdom.

The Dhokra process is as poetic as it is precise, rooted in both art and alchemy.

1. The artisan sculpts the figure entirely in wax. These wax models are formed with incredible finesse—tiny coils, patterns, and textures are all shaped by hand, sometimes with nothing more than a pin or a small stick.
2. The wax figure is coated in layers of fine clay, which form a hard outer shell. This shell is dried slowly in the sun. Once it's ready, the mould is heated, and the wax melts out through vents—hence the name "lost wax."
3. Molten brass, often recycled from old utensils or scrap metal, is then poured into the cavity that remains. After the metal cools, the clay shell is gently broken apart, revealing the brass form underneath.
4. Finally, the piece is polished, burnished, and sometimes oxidized or treated with natural dyes to enhance its texture and warmth.

Because the original wax form is lost in the process, no two pieces can ever be identical. Every Dhokra object carries the thumbprint of its maker—a physical reminder of the hands, time, and patience it took to create.

What we love most about Dhokra is how seamlessly it blends into modern living spaces while carrying thousands of years of heritage. Whether you live in a minimalist loft, an eclectic flat, or a warm, layered brownstone, Dhokra pieces add a tactile charm that elevates any corner.

A brass Nandi bull on your console table. A pair of dancing tribal figures that greet you from your bookshelf. These aren’t just decorative objects—they’re conversation starters, heirlooms, and little pieces of time. They make your space feel soulful, collected, and intentional.

We also deeply admire the sustainability embedded in Dhokra. The craft relies on natural materials—beeswax, clay, scrap brass—and demands no industrial machinery or chemical processing. This is slow craft at its finest. Each piece is made with awareness of its origin, its impact, and its place in the cycle of earth and art.

• It’s handmade. Every item supports the livelihood of traditional artisans and keeps generational knowledge alive.
• It’s rooted in heritage. This isn’t just a style—it’s a lineage. It honors South Asian history and culture.
• It’s meaningful. Dhokra pieces carry intention. They’re not mass-produced items, but soulful objects with a story.

For us, Dhokra isn’t just decor. It’s a reminder of where we come from, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a quiet resistance to the fast pace of modern consumption. It shows us that art can be both ancient and relevant. That beauty can come from fire, earth, and hands working in rhythm.

Our curated Dhokra collection is a love letter to this enduring art form. Each piece has been selected not only for its aesthetic appeal, but for the energy it brings—warmth, history, and a story worth sharing.

We hope when you bring Dhokra into your home, you feel that connection too. That you see not just brass, but legacy. Not just sculpture, but soul.