Antique Tribal Indian Dhora Bronze Cosmetic Jar 19th Century India Bengal

This is an exquisite antique cosmetic jar that dates back to the 19th century and originates from the Bengali region of India. The jar is designed in the shape of a barrel, with a rounded body and three plain legs to support the bowl. The jar is made of bronze, a material commonly used in ancient Indian art and craftsmanship. The jar's cover is adorned with a beautifully crafted peacock finial that adds an extra touch of elegance to the piece. This antique cosmetic jar is not only a stunning work of art but also a unique piece of history that showcases the artistic and cultural heritage of ancient India.
 
MEASUREMENTS: Height: 15cm (5 7/8 inches) Width: 9,5cm (3 ¾ inches).
 
CONDITION: This item has developed a unique and attractive dark brown-green patina through years of use and exposure to the elements. The patina showcases the item's history and adds character to its appearance. The variation in color and texture across the item's surface adds depth and interest, making it a striking and unique piece. Whether displayed in a museum or a personal collection, this item will surely be a conversation starter and a cherished piece.
 
NOTE: Dhokra is an ancient folk art tradition prevalent in India's eastern states, including West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. Dhokra craft objects are made by non-ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique, one of the earliest and most advanced methods of metal casting known to human civilization. Its roots can be traced back 4500 years to the ancient city of Mohenjodaro in the Indus Valley Civilization.
The name Dokra or Dhokra was used to indicate a group of craftsmen of nomadic type from the Dhokra Damar tribe, scattered over the regions of Bengal, Orisa, and Madhya Pradesh, whose wares were identified by their beautifully shaped and decorated metal products. The enchanting Dhokra art objects have motifs inspired by indigenous folk culture and are characterized by a primitive, spontaneous style. The main hallmark of the Dokra ornamental sculptures and goods is simplicity, charming folk motifs, rustic beauty, and imaginative, intricate designs and patterns.
The ancient Dhokra technique:
Using inspiration from their mythology, environment, and simple rituals, the Dhokra sculptor makes a core model of clay from fine riverbed soil mixed with coal dust and rice husks, as this mixture brilliantly takes on the textures and shapes of the later applications of wax, resulting in a perfect inner wall of the mold. After it has dried, it is decorated with wax strings to create fine detailing and patterns. The Dhokra artisans use a mixture of bee wax, resins from the Damara Orientallis tree, and nut oil to make the dough soft and malleable.
Next, small amounts of fine clay paste are applied over the wax replica, which is dried in the shade. This is followed by using a thicker outer layer of red soil and rice husk mixture, which has holes on the top for adding the molten metals. The piece is sundried and then fired in the 'Bhatti' (traditional kiln), where the wax melts and exits the mold. The final stage is pouring molten brass through the same holes.
This casting technique revolves around replacing wax loss crevices with molten metal by the traditional hollow casting method. After cooling, the cast is removed to be cleaned and polished.