New Delhi, November 6, 2024: In its mission to bring India’s vibrant craft heritage closer to the world, Jaypore has cultivated partnerships with artisanal communities, textile designers, and independent artisans across the country. These collaborations reimagine traditional crafts with a modern design language that resonates with global audiences, while telling the larger stories behind each handmade piece. Among the many artforms that Jaypore has been preserving, Dokra stands out as a unique and ancient art form, practiced primarily by the Ghadwa community in Kondagaon, Chhattisgarh.
The Ancient Art of Dokra
Dokra is a 4,000-year-old metal casting craft that uses the lost-wax process, a technique passed down through generations of artisans. This labour-intensive method involves creating a wax model, coating it with clay, and then heating it so the wax melts away, leaving behind a mold into which molten metal is poured. Once the mold cools and is broken, the resulting piece emerges– each one unique and imbued with the soul of centuries-old craftsmanship. The designs, inspired by nature, mythology, and village life, are intricate, and every piece tells a story of the artisan’s skill and cultural heritage.
The Ghadwa community has been the custodians of this craft for generations, and it is their dedication that keeps the tradition alive today. However, like many traditional crafts in India, Dokra has faced challenges in finding relevance in modern markets. The artisans rely on limited local markets and occasional government support, often struggling to secure consistent orders and fair compensation for their work. This is where Jaypore’s involvement has made a crucial difference.
Reviving Dokra
Jaypore’s partnership with Dokra artisans, particularly those from Kondagaon, Chhattisgarh, has been instrumental in reviving this ancient craft and providing sustainable livelihoods to the artisans. By promoting their intricate metal creations to a wider audience, the brand has helped these artisans access new markets and appreciate the true value of their work. The brand’s commitment to authenticity and craftsmanship ensures that the artisans’ traditional methods remain intact, while the designs are adapted to suit contemporary tastes.
Jaypore has worked closely with renowned Dokra artisans like Shabbir Nag and Panchu Ram Sagar for more than four years now. Mr. Shabbir Nag, a highly respected craftsman from Kondagaon, has been recognized with the State Award for his exceptional work in the year 2005. His intricate metalwork, which draws heavily from nature and tribal motifs, has gained attention far beyond his village. Similarly, Mr. Panchu Ram Sagar, another master artisan, has earned both the State Award and the prestigious National Award for his contributions to Dokra in the year 1999.
Empowering Artisans and Communities
One of the most remarkable outcomes of Jaypore’s collaboration with Dokra artisans has been the steady and reliable income these skilled craftsmen have been able to generate. Beyond this, they now have a platform to showcase and sell their unique creations to an international audience, with Jaypore’s online presence extending all the way to the US. These artisans have been receiving regular orders from the brand, giving them a platform where their craft is truly appreciated. With Jaypore’s 27 stores across the country and a strong online presence, they have the opportunity to showcase their products to connoisseurs of the Dokra craft, offering a first-hand experience. This support has enabled them to focus on their craft without the worry of erratic earnings. The impact of Jaypore’s collaboration extends beyond the individual artisans thereby empowering the community at large with employment opportunities and inclusive growth. The consistent demand for Dokra products has enabled many women from the Ghadwa community to get involved in the craft, either by assisting in the production process or by managing the business side of things. This inclusion of women has further strengthened the community, creating more opportunities for financial independence and growth.
Reflecting on the partnership, Radhika Chhabra, Creative Head, Jaypore, says, “Our collaboration with the Ghadwa artisans has been a remarkable journey of mutual growth. At Jaypore, we take pride in preserving and promoting traditional crafts, while also ensuring that the talented hands behind these creations receive the recognition and support, they deserve.” Chhabra’s words encapsulate the essence of Jaypore’s mission– fostering relationships that celebrate India’s heritage while creating pathways for artisans to thrive in today’s world.
Through its collaborations with artisans like those practicing Dokra in Kondagaon, Jaypore continues to uphold its vision of bringing timeless Indian craftsmanship to a global audience. The brand’s efforts are not only preserving ancient crafts but are also empowering artisans by providing them with the tools, platforms, and opportunities needed to sustain their heritage in the modern world. In doing so, Jaypore remains true to its mission: to celebrate India’s craft heritage, one handmade piece at a time.
Jaypore’s Dokra collection showcases an array of exquisite metal artifacts that embody the heritage and craftsmanship of this ancient art form. The collection features everything from intricately designed home décor items like candle holders and figurines, to statement jewelry pieces, all handcrafted by the artisans using the traditional lost-wax casting technique. Each piece in the collection reflects the delicate balance between raw, rustic aesthetics and fine detailing, inspired by motifs from nature, mythology, and tribal life. The labor-intensive process ensures that no two pieces are exactly alike, making them truly unique. Jaypore’s Dokra offerings include brass and bronze creations that are not only functional but also serve as timeless decorative pieces, representing the spirit of India’s artisanal mastery. The artisans meticulously craft each product by hand, from sculpting the initial wax models to the final polish, ensuring a level of authenticity and artistry that connects modern buyers to centuries-old traditions. Through these offerings, Jaypore continues to bring the timeless allure of Dokra to homes around the world, giving connoisseurs a chance to own a piece of history, while supporting the artisans who have kept this tradition alive for generations.
