Item ST 40561 Indian Figure - Hindu Clerk, Pune, Clay, circa 1867

Summary

Alternative Names: Poonah Figure, Poona Figure

This clay figure of a Hindu Clerk was part of a series of 82 Indian clay figures purchased from Stubb and Co for £9.10 in 1867 by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). The group of figures, which came from Pune (Poonah), represented various castes, occupations and religious sects in India. The NGV Stock book records identify the figure as a 'Hindoo Clerk'.

Physical Description

Figure of a man on a turned wooden base. The base is painted brown. A paper label glued to the upper edge of the base. The figure is plaster/composition modeled over wooden dowels, it is painted with a fair skin tone and is dressed in fabric. His garments consist of a white cotton shirt, a white tunic with orange and brown circles, a white cotton coat with brown and red trim, and white cotton trousers with black and red detailing on the cuffs. He has painted red hat and shoes. He also has long painted sideburns, a moustache and a tilaka.