Vintage Brass Cow with Calf Figurine or Dhokra Art Tribal Cow and Calf Statue
Vintage Brass Cow with Calf Figurine or Dhokra Art Tribal Cow and Calf Statue
Key Features
- Material: Metal alloy, likely brass or bronze, made using the traditional lost-wax casting (cire perdue) method.
- Art Form: A prime example of Dhokra art, known for its distinctive use of coiled and twisted wires to form the shapes of the animals.
- Subject: A cow and its calf, a powerful and sacred symbol in Hinduism, representing motherhood, life, and prosperity.
- Functionality: The hollow body and lattice pattern on the cow suggest it could be a container or an incense holder, allowing smoke to vent through the openings. The calf is a solid, decorative figurine.
- Aesthetics: The pieces have a raw, unfinished, and tribal 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 set is ideal for home decoration, especially for those who appreciate traditional, ethnic, and folk art. It can be displayed on a mantle, shelf, or desk.
- Cultural Significance: The cow and calf motif holds deep religious and cultural meaning in India, making this a significant piece of spiritual and folk art.
This is a set of two figurines depicting a cow with its calf, crafted in the traditional Dhokra art style, a form of lost-wax casting from India. The larger figurine is the cow, which has a hollow body with an intricate, lattice-like pattern on its side, suggesting it might have a secondary function as an incense holder. The cow has a detailed face with horns and stands on sturdy, round legs. The smaller figurine is the calf, which is a solid piece, and is shown standing close to its mother.
Both figurines are characterized by the use of coiled metal wire to create textures and patterns, which is a signature of Dhokra art. The pieces have a rustic, handcrafted appearance with a deep, aged patina. This set is a purely decorative item, symbolizing nurturing, life, and the sacredness of the cow in Hindu culture.
