Vintage Brass Bird-Shaped Container or Dhokra Art Tribal Bird

Vintage Brass Bird-Shaped Container or Dhokra Art Tribal Bird

Category:
Key Features
  • Material: Metal alloy, likely brass or bronze, made using the traditional lost-wax casting (cire perdue) method, typical of Dhokra art.
  • Design: A stylized bird figurine that functions as a lidded container. It has a well-defined head with a beak, intricate patterns on the body, and a handle on the lid. The handle is a twisted, rope-like loop.
  • Art Form: The texture and construction, particularly the use of twisted metal for details, are hallmark features of Dhokra art, a traditional tribal craft from India.
  • Functionality: The hollow body and lid indicate it’s a vessel. Its purpose could be ceremonial (oil lamp or incense burner) or purely decorative (a trinket box).
  • Aesthetics: The piece has a raw, unfinished look that is characteristic of handmade folk art. The aged patina adds to its vintage and authentic appeal, making it a beautiful and unique decorative item.
  • Use: This piece can be used as a spiritual or ceremonial object on an altar, or as a decorative accent in a home, particularly for those who appreciate traditional, tribal, and handmade art.

This is a unique, bird-shaped vessel made of metal, likely brass or a similar alloy, with a distinct, rustic appearance. The design and the coiling of the metal strongly suggest it is a piece of Dhokra art, an ancient Indian folk art form. The body of the bird is a container with a lid, and it has a handle on top. The bird is depicted with a detailed head and tail, and the body is decorated with horizontal lines and a twisted rope-like pattern.

Given its shape, it could have multiple functions: