Brassware industry in Bangladesh

The brassware industry in Bangladesh is a cottage industry characterized by skilled artisans who create unique handcrafted items. Renowned for its craftsmanship, particularly among the Kansari caste, the tradition of creating brass and silver artworks is passed down through generations. The industry is concentrated primarily in Dhamrai Upazila, Dhaka District, with smaller family-based operations found in regions like Chittagong, Narayanganj, and Jamalpur.

Brasscrafts are entirely handcrafted without machinery, utilizing wax and clay molds. Two main manufacturing processes are employed: the lost wax method for solid objects, such as water pots and bowls, and the hollow process for lighter items like cymbals and figurines. Despite their artistic value, the industry faces challenges, including rising raw material costs and reduced demand due to cheaper alternatives like steel and ceramics.

Once thriving with over a thousand families in Dhamrai alone, the sector has seen its numbers dwindle to around 100 families in recent years. This decline reflects broader shifts in consumer preferences and economic pressures, leading to a loss of the industry's former prominence.