{"product_id":"vintage-indian-dhokra-dokra-hand-cast-brass-quacking-duck-form-casket","title":"Vintage Indian Dhokra (Dokra) Hand-Cast Brass Quacking Duck-Form Casket","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAdditional Description\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA substantial hand-cast brass bird-form casket crafted in the traditional Dhokra (Dokra) lost-wax casting technique. The stylized bird features a long beak, circular eyes, incised concentric neck bands, and geometric wing decoration. The hollow body forms a lidded storage compartment with an integral hinge and loop clasp designed to accept a removable locking pin or wire closure.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnlike many smaller tourist examples, this is a generously sized and notably heavy example with pleasing sculptural proportions and a rich naturally aged brass patina. The primitive modeling, individually finished surfaces, and slight casting irregularities are characteristic of authentic handcrafted Dhokra metalwork.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEra\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMid to Late 20th Century, circa 1960–1990\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistory\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDhokra (also spelled Dokra) metalwork is one of India's oldest surviving craft traditions, practiced by artisan communities across West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. The technique utilizes the ancient lost-wax casting process, a method with roots dating back more than 4,000 years to the Indus Valley Civilization.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach piece is individually modeled in beeswax, encased in clay, and fired so the wax melts away before molten brass is poured into the cavity. Because the mold is destroyed during casting, every Dhokra object is unique. Animal-form vessels—including birds, horses, elephants, and peacocks—became especially popular during the twentieth century, serving both decorative and functional purposes while preserving centuries-old artistic traditions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eProvenance\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrivate collection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterials\u003cbr\u003eHand-cast brass\u003cbr\u003eTraditional lost-wax (cire perdue) casting\u003cbr\u003eHinged construction\u003cbr\u003eHand-finished surface\u003cbr\u003eDimensions\u003cbr\u003eHeight: approximately 8 inches\u003cbr\u003eOther dimensions: Please add.\u003cbr\u003eDisclaimers\u003cbr\u003ePresents with an attractive aged brass patina.\u003cbr\u003eSurface wear, oxidation, casting irregularities, and minor abrasions consistent with age and handcrafted manufacture.\u003cbr\u003eHinged lid operates properly.\u003cbr\u003eLoop clasp remains intact; no locking pin is present.\u003cbr\u003eInterior exhibits expected casting texture and wear from use.\u003cbr\u003eNo maker's marks observed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48749722501375,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0725\/8780\/4927\/files\/4F662CB8-208A-49FE-B634-D6AFA9B2E2BC.png?v=1782661606","url":"https:\/\/forthelouvreofantiques.com\/fr\/products\/vintage-indian-dhokra-dokra-hand-cast-brass-quacking-duck-form-casket","provider":"For the Louvre of Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}