from Bath England large auction group

modern piece

 

⭐ 1. This is Dhokra, but from a later, more decorative phase

Everything about it says:

• simplified modeling
• smoother surfaces
• brighter, more uniform alloy
• stylized “cute” proportions
• exaggerated head shape
• instrument‑holding pose (a very common tourist‑era motif)

This is the kind of piece that began appearing in:

late 1980s–2000s,

when Dhokra workshops started producing items specifically for:

• craft fairs
• export shops
• tourist markets
• decorative home stores

It’s still handmade, still lost‑wax, still culturally rooted — but it’s not a ritual object.

⭐ 2. The patina is applied, not naturally aged

The greenish oxidation and reddish tones are:

• surface treatments
• chemical patinas
• sometimes even paint or wax coloring

Older Bastar pieces develop a matte brown patina with soft oxidation. This one has the brighter, more “designed” finish typical of newer decorative Dhokra.

⭐ 3. The figure’s posture and instrument are tourist‑era motifs

The seated musician figure is one of the most common forms produced for:

• gift shops
• export catalogs
• decorative sets (often sold in groups of 3–5 musicians)

Your piece is a solo version of that style.

It’s charming — but it’s not ethnographic or ritual.

⭐ 4. The casting technique is simpler

Compared to your older Bastar pieces:

• the coil work is minimal
• the modeling is smoother
• the details are less complex
• the base is more uniform

This is typical of newer Dhokra made for commercial sale.

⭐ 5. Age estimate

Based on style, patina, and construction:

1990s–2000s, possibly early 2010s.

Definitely newer than your other pieces.

⭐ 6. Value

These pieces are widely available and priced accordingly.

Inside India:

₹800–₹2,000 (about $10–$25)

Outside India:

$20–$60 Higher only if part of a full musician set.

It’s decorative, not collectible — but still handmade and culturally interesting.

⭐ Final read

This piece is:

• Dhokra, yes
• but newer
• tourist‑market or decorative‑market
• not ritual
• not Bastar classical style
• charming, but not in the same category as your older bronzes

And that’s perfectly fine — it’s a good example of how the Dhokra tradition evolved into a commercial craft.