Dokra/Dhokra Art: Traditional Brass Figurine Created Using the Lost-Wax Technique

24-Mar-2026

This photo shows a beautiful brass chameleon figurine created through the traditional Dokra/Dhokra art in Karge Rege village of Ranchi district, Jharkhand. Such artistic sculptures are produced using the traditional lost-wax casting technique. In this process, artisans first prepare the base shape of the figure using clay. After that, a thin layer of wax is applied over the clay base, and detailed patterns and shapes are carefully designed. Then another layer of clay is applied over it to form a mold, leaving a small opening. When the mold is heated in a furnace, the wax inside melts and flows out, creating a hollow space within the mold. Molten brass is then poured into this cavity. After the metal cools and solidifies, the clay mold is broken to reveal the finished Dokra/Dhokra figurine.