Dhokra Brass Owl, India, c.1900

Product Description

Dhokra brass figure of an owl
Hollow cast with wire attachments, standing on a sheet metal base
North East India, perhaps Orissa, c.1900
10.2 x 7.0 x 7.6 cms

A fine, antique example of cast brass associated with the Dhokra Damar tribal metalsmiths of North East India. The bird has a lovely, deep patina, and retains two wirework pendants, from beak and right wing tip. Pendants from its ‘ears’ and left wing have been lost. There is a spike on its back, suggesting use as a candlestand, or perhaps as a location for an associated figure of Lakshmi, whose vehicle is an owl. The figure, with typical ‘ribbed’ body, is soldered to a circular stand formed of strips of cut brass sheet.