Brass Dhokra Money Box From Orissa - 19th Century Planters & Wastepaper Bins Originally made to be used

Originally made to be used in pairs

shown seated in an armchair covered with a textile embroidered with dragons

The original Chola period bronzes date to 907 - 1215 AD and were created using the lost wax technique using an alloy known as panchaloha (a mixture of five precious metals)

through which a rope could be passed to secure them to the deck  of the ship or they could be tethered to each other for stability

Brass Dhokra Money Box From Orissa - 19th Century Planters & Wastepaper Bins Originally made to be usedThis old Indian brass box is from West India, probably the state of Orissa. It is made using the Dhokra technique (also spelled Dokra) and dates to the 19th century. The process is commonly known as Cire Perdue. As well as money, this box has been used for storing slaked lime used in the consumption of paan which is chewed for its stimulant and psychoactive effects. Years of exposure to lime has left this box with a varied and unusual patina. From