Objective

Design a wooden daybreak lamp that captures the essence of Dhokra art, combining traditional aesthetics with modern functionality. This lamp is intended to bring warmth and cultural richness into any space, creating a soft ambiance suitable for early mornings or calm, reflective evenings.

Target Audience

Art and culture enthusiasts who appreciate traditional Indian craftsmanship.

Homeowners or interior designers seeking unique, artisanal decor items.

Eco-conscious consumers looking for sustainable, handmade home decor.

Design Requirements

Materials: Primarily wood, with brass or bronze accents inspired by traditional Dhokra art, giving the lamp an artisanal feel.

Form Factor: Minimalistic yet artistic, highlighting both the wood’s natural grain and hand-carved or embossed Dhokra-inspired patterns.

Lighting: Soft, ambient lighting that mimics the gentle glow of dawn, ideally using warm-toned LEDs.

Aesthetics: Incorporate traditional Dhokra shapes and motifs, possibly in the form of etched designs, small metal figurines, or symbols that capture the cultural essence of Dhokra art.

Sustainability: Use eco-friendly, responsibly sourced wood and sustainable design practices to honor traditional craftsmanship while respecting environmental needs.

Functional Requirements

Portability: Light enough for easy relocation within the home while still feeling sturdy.


Design Brief

Research on Dhokra art

DHOKRA ART

Adilabad, a key city in Telangana, is renowned for its Dhokra metal casting, a traditional craft practiced by the Ojha metalsmiths. This labor-intensive craft utilizes the lost wax technique, combining wax artistry with metallurgical skills to produce unique, handcrafted artifacts.

Creating a simple piece can take 4-5 days, while more intricate designs may require 2-3 weeks.

Dhokra objects are known for their slender, elongated figurines, folk lamps, and household items, all characterized by their distinct texture and lack of joints.

Tools and Raw Materials

  • Coal

  • Brass

  • Crucible for melting brass.

  • pliers

  • Wire brushes

  • files

  • Wax threads are drawn using pichikri

  • bees wax

  • hammers

  • Wood

  • customized tools to sculpt

  • Anthill soil

  • molds

  • brass and wax are melted in furnace

  • cow dung and sand is used to make molds

• Anthills Mud- Mud is the core material that is used for making the first model of the final product.
• Water- Water is used for kneading mud and cow dung.
• Cow Dung- Cow dung is mixed with mud to make the model.
• Wax Threads- Wax threads are wound around the clay model.
• Charcoal- Charcoal is burnt in the furnace to obtain high amount of heat.
• Brass- It is one of the core substances that are used for making dhokra metal products.
• Wood- Wood is used for firing purpose.
• Furnace- Furnace is used for baking the clay model.
• Graphite Container- Graphite container is used for arranging and melting metal (brass) crucibles.
• Hammer- Hammer is used for removing the clay mould.
• Customized Tool- It is used while rendering the required design.
• Sand- It is mixed with clay.
• Salt- It is added to metal crucibles while heating the metal.
• Hacksaw Tool- This is used for cutting out the extras of the metal product.
• File Tool- This tool is used for polishing purpose.
• Big Sized Brush- This brush is used for dusting and cleaning of the clay particles.
• Furnace- It is used for melting the metal and baking the clay moulds.

Cultural significance of Dhokra

Moodboard

Ideation

Rituals and Ceremonies

Dhokra art plays a significant role in tribal rituals and ceremonies in Odisha. The sculptures are often used as offerings to deities or as symbols of good luck.

Symbolism

The motifs used in Dhokra art have deep symbolic meanings, reflecting the beliefs and values of the tribal communities.

Storytelling

Dhokra art is a form of storytelling, with each sculpture narrating a tale or representing a legend.

Cultural Heritage

Dhokra art is an integral part of India's cultural heritage, and it is a testament to the artistic skills and traditions of the tribal communities.

Process

  • Melted brass is poured inside the mold to attain its shape

  • Wax is covered with clay, leaving holes for the wax to drain out

  • The thread [bee wax] is winded around the mold

  • Beautifully made Dokara art

Walnut

Brass

cmf

Finish


Danish Oil:

This blend of oil and varnish penetrates deeply, highlighting walnut’s rich color and grain while offering a soft, satin sheen. It provides moderate protection.


PVD Coating (Physical Vapor Deposition):

A durable, high-quality option that applies a thin gold coating to brass. It’s highly resistant to scratches and wear, ideal for long-term use.


Color

Material & Finish Board

Licorice

Harvest Gold

Created a clay mold and dried it under sunlight

EXPLODED VIEW

Final 3d model

Images sourced from Google for reference

Images sourced from pinterest and unsplash

Images sourced from dsource for reference

Images sourced from dsource for reference

A wooden daybreak lamp inspired by traditional Dhokra art, designed to bring warmth and cultural elegance to spaces. Crafted with rustic charm, it combines heritage aesthetics with modern functionality.

context

Mridika

Student project - 2024

Duration - 1 month


Rendering

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