Dokra work produced in the tribal areas of eastern and central India are hollow cast images over a clay core. Hand rolled threads of bees’ wax are wound tightly around the core till no visible trace of the clay beneath is left. The replica is then coated with a thin layer of clay paste which will take on its inner wall, the negative impression of all details on the outer face of the model.

Molten metal poured into the cavity between layers of clay incinerates the wax and takes on the form of the image.The finished ware retains the texture of the ribbed wax and its original clay-core.Except in hollow three dimensional constuctions,the clay cores are allowed to remain inside their metal sheatds after casting in order to give the votive images their required weight.

While the lost wax process is followed the raw materials used is not pure brass but contains miscellaneous scraps of other metals which give it is typically antique look. Its motifs are mostly drawn from flok culture. While among the animals, the elephant is most popular, the other motifs include human heads, kings, manas or miniature replica of measures, containers with lids, with or without locking devices, images of deities like Ganesh and Durga, and lamps and lampstands, the last being made in several intricate designs in shape of trees and branches with as many as a hundred lamps in one stand. Of late some utilitarian articles like candlestands, ash trays and penstands are also being made keeping the essential folk design intact.

What makes Dokra unique is that no two pieces are alike. Deftly created by hand, the objects have an individualistic touch.