What it is

Dhokra (also spelled Dokra) is India’s long‐continuing tradition of lost-wax (cire perdue) casting of non-ferrous metals (mainly brass/bell-metal). It’s practiced by artisan communities across central and eastern India, producing lamps, figurines, ritual ware and contemporary decor. The technique leaves a signature “wired/corded” surface from wax threads and lattices.

Where it comes from

Major centres: Bastar & Kondagaon (Chhattisgarh), Ranchi (Jharkhand), Bankura/Birbhum/Bardhaman (West Bengal), Dhenkanal/Mayurbhanj/Koraput (Odisha), Adilabad (Telangana), Betul (Madhya Pradesh). Each cluster shows distinctive motifs and proportions (e.g., Bastar’s elongated human/animal forms; Bengal’s fine wire-work lattice; Odisha’s ritual ware).

GIs (Geographical Indications)

• Bastar Dhokra (Chhattisgarh) — Registered; certificate date 22 April 2008; applicant: Chhattisgarh Hastshilp Vikas Board.
  
• Bengal Dokra (West Bengal) — Registered GI covering clusters such as Bikna (Bankura) and Dariapur (Purba Bardhaman); state GI compendia list the authorised users/co-ops.
  
• Sadeibareni Dhokra Craft (Dhenkanal, Odisha) — GI application pending (status: Pre-Examination)

How it’s made

1. Clay core is modelled; 2) beeswax/paraffin is extruded as threads and wrapped to create the design; 3) clay outer mould applied; 4) wax is burnt out; 5) molten brass is poured; 6) mould is broken to reveal the casting; 7) fettling/polish/patina. One-time moulds mean no two pieces are identical; thread-work creates the hallmark texture (parallel spirals, lattices, pellets).
   

Materials: clay, beeswax/resin, brass (often from scrap), fuels (charcoal/coal). Scrap use can introduce lead traces—relevant for export compliance (see “Compliance” below).

Buyer-oriented quality & strengths

• Visual identity: hand-laid wax threads → identifiable corded lines, cross-hatching, openwork. (Tool marks and minor asymmetry are authentic.)
  
• Cultural resonance: tribal narratives and totemic animals; strong storytelling value (esp. Bastar).
  
• Durability: solid-cast brass/bell-metal gives weight & longevity (suitable for decor/lamps/candle-holders).
  
• Uniqueness: single-use mould → one-of-a-kind pieces; important for premium positioning.
  

Typical QC/PO spec points

• Alloy disclosure & heavy-metals assurance (see limits below); require lead-safe brass declarations and 3rd-party lab reports for US/EU.
• Finish (raw/brushed/oxidized/antique), patina stability (rub-off test), and lacquer type if applied.
• Base protection (felt pads/rubber feet) and candle/tea-light fit where relevant.
• Dimensional tolerance/weight range acknowledging handmade variance (±5–10%).
  

Export picture

HS mapping (most common):

• 8306.29 “Statuettes and other ornaments, of base metal (not plated)” — fits decor/showpieces.
  
• 8306.21 (plated) and 8306.30 (frames/mirrors) — where applicable
  
• 7419.9930 “Articles of brass” — many suppliers use this for brass artware depending on product description. (Check product fit with your CHA.)
  
• 9703 “Original sculptures and statuary” — only if pieces meet art criteria (rare for commercial craft).
  

Top destinations for Indian handicrafts overall (useful proxy for Dhokra decor): USA, EU (Germany/Netherlands/France), UK, UAE, Australia, Canada. FY24 handicrafts exports ≈ US$3.8 bn, with USA the largest single market.

Tip: For category analytics, group your Dhokra SKUs under HS 8306 (or 7419.9930 where appropriate) in your ERP, then mirror against EPCH “Art Metalwares” when reading council stats.

Compliance (EU/US) — the important bits for brass craft

Because many workshops melt scrap brass, lead/cadmium/nickel compliance is the main export risk:

• EU (REACH, Annex XVII):
  
  • Lead: jewellery for the general public must have <0.05% lead by weight; lead in articles that may be mouthed by children is restricted (Entry 63).
    
  • Cadmium in jewellery: <0.01% (Entry 23).
    
  • Nickel release: ≤0.5 µg/cm²/week for items in prolonged skin contact (EN 1811; pass threshold ≤0.88 considering uncertainty). Applies if you turn Dhokra into wearables.
    
• US (CPSIA & CPSC):
  
  • Children’s products: total lead ≤100 ppm in accessible parts. If you sell small Dhokra charms/figurines as children’s items, you must test
    
  • Children’s metal jewellery: CPSC has cadmium test protocols for extractability; several US states set strict cadmium limits.
    
• Packaging: If you use wooden crates/pallets, many countries require ISPM-15 heat-treated, marked WPM (pallets/crates/dunnage).
  

Cluster-level strengths

• Bastar Dhokra (Chhattisgarh)
  Stylistic cues: elongated human/animal forms, tribal dance scenes; high recognition via GI; strong government marketing through Shabari/Shabri emporia and the Handicraft Board. Buyers rely on Bastar for statement pieces 30–80 cm tall.
  
• Bengal Dokra (Bankura/Bikna & Dariapur)
  Stylistic cues: finer wire-coil work and open lattice; smaller decor, lamps, ritual icons; GI status and organised co-ops (authorised user rolls published by the state).
  
• Odisha (Sadeibareni, Dhenkanal)
  Stylistic cues: ritual lamps/containers, rustic antique finish; active craft cluster with GI application under way. Good source for smaller price-point items.
  

Practical sourcing checklist

• Metal spec: Brass alloy declaration with Pb <0.05% for EU jewellery/skin-contact items; CPSIA ≤100 ppm lead if children’s product. Include 3rd-party heavy-metals test reports per SKU lot.
  
• Finish: “Antique oxidized/brushed; clear lacquer yes/no”; rub-fastness on patina; base pads.
  
• Function: For candleware, wick/tea-light fit and stability test; for wall art, hanging hardware spec.
  
• Marking & docs: Correct HS code on invoice/packing list; country of origin = India; ISPM-15 mark on any wood packaging.
  

Why carry Dhokra now

• Heritage + GI story supports premium pricing and brand content.
  
• Category fit with “art metalwares” and global demand for Indian handicrafts (FY24 exports ≈ US$3.8 bn; USA the #1 buyer).