Vintage Brass Owl Incense Holder or Dhokra Art Tribal Owl Figurine

Vintage Brass Owl Incense Holder or Dhokra Art Tribal Owl Figurine

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Key Features
  • Material: Crafted from a metal alloy (most likely brass or bronze) using the traditional lost-wax casting (cire perdue) method, which is characteristic of Dhokra art.
  • Design: A stylized owl figurine with a removable head that functions as a lid. The body is a hollow container decorated with intricate, hand-coiled wire patterns.
  • Functionality: The primary function is as a container, most likely an incense holder, but it can also be used as a decorative box for small items.
  • Aesthetics: The piece has a tribal, rustic, and handcrafted aesthetic. The imperfections are a testament to the handmade process, adding to its vintage charm. The owl itself is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge in many cultures, making it a meaningful decorative item.
  • Use: This figurine can be a decorative accent for a bookshelf, desk, or display cabinet. It is a wonderful gift for collectors of folk art or those who appreciate unique, handcrafted items.

This is a unique, handcrafted figurine of a stylized owl, made from brass or a similar metal alloy. The piece is characterized by the distinctive use of coiled and twisted metal wires, which points to the Dhokra art technique, a form of lost-wax casting from India. The owl is depicted in an upright, stylized posture, with a detachable top or lid that forms the head. The body is an egg-shaped container decorated with intricate patterns and designs. The owl stands on two small legs with claws.

The hollow body and the lid suggest that this item is a container, likely used as an incense holder or a small trinket box. The smoke from an incense cone placed inside would escape through small, unnoticeable openings. The entire piece has a rustic, unpolished finish with a deep, aged patina, giving it an antique and authentic feel.