Metal Crafts — Cast in Time

There is a bronze figurine in a museum in New Delhi that is over 4,500 years old. She stands barely eleven centimetres tall, one hand on her hip, the other loose at her side — and she was made using the same technique that Dhokra artisans in Odisha (India) use today. The lost-wax method, or cire perdue, is among the oldest known metalworking processes in the world, traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. That continuity — from Mohenjo-daro to a tribal workshop in Dhenkanal district today — is what makes Indian metal craft extraordinary. This collection includes pieces worked in different metals and techniques, each rooted in a specific tradition and made entirely by hand.

The Craft of Working Metal by Hand

Indian metal craft encompasses a range of traditions — from casting to shaping, engraving to finishing — each community bringing its own method, material, and visual language to the work. Dhokra, the most ancient of these traditions, uses the lost-wax technique: a clay core is built up by hand, wrapped in beeswax coiled into strands and carved with motifs, then encased in clay and fired. The wax melts out, molten metal is poured in, and when the mould cools it is broken open to reveal the cast piece. Because each mould is destroyed in this process, no two Dhokra pieces are ever identical. Aluminium craft, by contrast, involves shaping and finishing the metal through cutting, hammering, and hand-tooling — producing pieces that are lighter in weight but no less considered in their making. Across these traditions, what remains constant is the absence of industrial production: every piece passes through the hands of an artisan who has inherited their skill across generations.

In Odisha, Dhokra is practised in pockets across Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Rayagada districts by artisan communities including the Sithulia, Ghantara, and Chitraghasi. Motifs draw from tribal life, nature, mythology, and ritual — elephants, horses, peacocks, deities, dancing figures, and geometric patterns rooted in the visual language of eastern India's tribal communities.

What to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Metal Craft Piece

Material and finish — different metals carry different weights, surfaces, and visual characters. Dhokra has a warm antique finish with organic surface texture; aluminium pieces are lighter with a distinct, understated quality. Product pages carry material-specific details. Surface character — handmade metal pieces carry naturally irregular surfaces and minor asymmetries consistent with hand casting or hand tooling. These are intrinsic to the process, not defects. Weight and scale — product pages carry specific weight and dimension details to help you choose the right piece for your space.

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A Few Things Worth Knowing

What kinds of metal craft does this collection include?

This collection includes pieces worked in different metals and traditions — including Dhokra brass casting using the ancient lost-wax technique, and aluminium craft shaped and finished by hand. Each product page carries details specific to the material and tradition of that piece.

What is the lost-wax technique and why does it matter?

Lost-wax casting is one of the oldest metalworking processes in the world, dating back over 4,000 years to the Indus Valley Civilisation. A wax model is built over a clay core, encased in clay, and fired — the wax melts out and molten metal fills the space left behind. Because the mould must be broken to release the piece, each cast is unique and can never be exactly reproduced.

Will my piece look exactly like the one in the photograph?

Not exactly. Each piece is handmade and carries natural variations in surface texture, colour, and finish intrinsic to the process. Product photographs are taken under controlled lighting and may appear differently across various screen settings and devices. These are not defects — they are what makes each piece genuinely one of a kind. Read our Disclaimer before purchase.

How do I identify an authentic handmade metal craft piece?

An authentic handmade metal piece carries a surface texture and character distinctly different from machine-cast or industrially finished metal. In Dhokra pieces specifically, the form carries minor asymmetries and an organic surface finish consistent with hand casting. When in doubt about any piece in our collection, feel free to reach out to us before purchasing.

How do I care for my metal craft piece?

Please refer to the Care Guide on your product page for specific care instructions.

Can I place a bulk or personalised order for metal craft pieces?

Yes — for personalised pieces or bulk and corporate requirements, please fill up this form or reach out to us directly with your requirements and we will be happy to help.