Collection: Dhokra Pieces

Dhokra (also spelled Dokra) is one of the world's oldest metal casting art forms, originating in India over 4,000 years ago. It uses the lost-wax casting technique a method where a wax model is encased in clay, melted out, and replaced with molten brass or bell metal poured by hand. The result is a one-of-a-kind metal sculpture that cannot be exactly replicated. Practised by tribal communities across West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, Dhokra art is a living, endangered heritage craft. āsmi london is one of the very few places in the UK where you can buy authentic Dhokra pieces directly sourced from these artisan communities.

āsmi london's Dhokra collection spans over 40 pieces across five categories sculptures and figurines (elephants, camel, tiger, deer, horse, dragonfly, sitting musicians, couples, ladies), wall masks (Sun, Moon, Tribal Chief), deity busts (Durga Ma), candle and incense holders (Horse Candle Holder, Turtle Incense Holder), wall hooks, and the extraordinary Tribal Chess Set in Dhokra Brass and Pyrography Wood at £295. Prices range from £25 to £295, making authentic Dhokra craft accessible for UK collectors and home décor enthusiasts alike.

Yes Dhokra and Dokra are two spellings of the same ancient craft tradition. "Dhokra" is the more widely used academic and commercial spelling, while "Dokra" is a regional variant, particularly common in West Bengal where the craft is also extensively practised. Both refer to the same lost-wax brass casting technique carried out by tribal artisan communities across India. Whether you search for Dhokra art or Dokra metal craft, āsmi london's collection represents the same authentic, handcrafted tradition.

Yes. Every Dhokra piece in āsmi london's collection is sourced directly from master craftspeople in India's tribal artisan communities the same communities that have practised this tradition for generations. āsmi london does not work through middlemen. This direct sourcing model means the artisans receive fair compensation for their work, and that every piece you buy is genuinely handcrafted not a factory reproduction. For UK buyers seeking authentic Dhokra handicraft with a clear ethical provenance, āsmi london is one of the most trustworthy sources available.

The Dhokra Ornamental Elephant pieces are among the most popular in the collection available in large sizes (2.5kg at £180 and 4.5kg at £250), these are statement sculptures with immense presence and weight. The Tribal Chess Set at £295 is the most distinctive piece in the collection each chess piece is individually cast in Dhokra brass on a pyrography wood board, making it one of the most extraordinary artisan chess sets available in the UK. The Dhokra Sitting Musician Pair and Tribal Chief Masks are also highly sought after by UK collectors.

In lost-wax casting, the artisan first shapes a wax model of the sculpture, often over a clay core. This is wrapped in layers of clay to form a mould. The mould is heated the wax melts and drains away (hence "lost wax"), leaving a cavity. Molten brass is then poured by hand into this cavity. Once cooled, the clay mould is broken open to reveal the sculpture, which is then hand-finished and detailed. Because the mould is destroyed in the process, no two Dhokra pieces are ever identical. This is irreproducible craft a fact that gives every piece its unique value.

Dhokra pieces make some of the most memorable and meaningful gifts available in the UK for housewarmings, milestone birthdays, weddings, corporate gifts, or as collector's pieces. The Dhokra Lady with Diya (£39), Dhokra Horse Candle Holder (£25), and Dhokra Turtle Incense Holder (£31) are accessible entry-point gifts with high visual impact. The Dhokra Sitting Couple on Charpai (£45) is a popular wedding and anniversary gift. The Tribal Chess Set (£295) is an extraordinary gift for collectors, chess enthusiasts, and design lovers across the UK.

Dhokra brass sculptures are robust and low-maintenance. For display, they work beautifully as shelf pieces, mantelpiece accents, desk sculptures, and wall features. To maintain their warm brass patina, dust regularly with a soft dry cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners a gentle wipe with a slightly damp cloth is sufficient. Over time, Dhokra brass develops a natural patina that deepens its character. This ageing is authentic and desirable, not a defect it is the mark of a living metal piece, not a factory finish.

āsmi london's Dhokra collection is priced from £25 (Dhokra Horse Candle Holder) to £295 (Tribal Chess Set), with the majority of pieces falling between £35 and £105. This range makes authentic Dhokra craft accessible to UK buyers at multiple price points whether as an affordable decorative accent, a mid-range collector's piece, or a significant statement sculpture. Every piece, regardless of price, is individually handcrafted using the same ancient lost-wax casting technique.

āsmi london is one of the very few UK retailers offering a dedicated, curated collection of authentic Dhokra pieces sourced directly from tribal artisan communities in India. While individual pieces may occasionally appear at specialist Indian art fairs or auction houses, nowhere in the UK offers the breadth, accessibility, and guaranteed provenance of āsmi london's 40-piece Dhokra collection available year-round online with UK delivery.