Description

Pottery and brass art in Dhamrai has flourished for generations, shaping the local culture and economy. The artisans are highly skilled and make beautiful things. A visit to the primitive pottery and brass culture around Dhamrai and one of the finest Hindu landlord’s palaces in Baliati are the highlights of this trip. Exciting sites, beautiful landscapes, lush vegetation, and cross-cultural interaction make this trip a complete package for an explorer.

The vibrant city of Dhamrai is home to artisans who continue the age-old traditions of metal craft passed down through generations. Here in the predominantly Hindu community of Dhamrai, the tried-and-tested methods of crafting metal continue. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch brass and bronze being transformed into a wide range of decorative and practical objects, following the traditional lost-wax method technique.

The lost-wax casting method is about 4,000 years old. This ancient style is one of the primary methods that use a solid piece of wax to shape the required object, including all its details, which are carved into the wax. Then again, it is covered with several fine and soft clay layers, which become the mold with the wax object inside. Small holes in the clay drain out the wax when it is baked, and the impression stays inside the clay mold. Loss of wax as it melts during the bake, hence the term ‘lost wax’ came. Melted brass metal is then poured into the clay mold, taking the shape of the sculpted wax. Once the metal has hardened and reached a normal temperature, the clay mold is carefully removed. The metal item is polished and finished to give it an antique look. It requires a skillful and passionate effort from the beginning until the end to make a beautiful item. Every item might look similar but never the same, even if the same person made it. It is a freehand artwork for every product, and mold can’t be reused as they have to break it to get the items out. You are welcome to witness the whole process of making various objects at a private crafting place in Dhamrai.

Baliati Palace has over 200 rooms and fascinating ornamental decorations. This is one of the largest and most beautiful Rajbaris (land lord’s palaces) in Bangladesh, which was built by Zamindar (landlord) Govinda Ram Saha mid-18th century. Ancient brick architecture-style buildings have flourished with detailed decorative walls, which is the best example of the rich tradition of those periods.

Near the Hindu village of Kakran, most villagers are engaged in the pottery trade. The use of clay utensils and pots has been slowly disappearing, posing a threat to these skilled artisans’ traditional livelihood. Still, many families have been struggling to keep this old tradition alive. A short boat trip to reach this village offers a dive through the beautiful landscape behind the urban. Meeting the artisans and their families is always welcome.